Taxane Chemotherapy Promotes Aging of Human Hair Follicles and Their Stem Cells

This study investigates the effects of the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel on human hair follicles (HFs) and their stem cells, revealing that paclitaxel promotes premature aging and damage. Using HFs from 3 donors, researchers found significant decreases in aging biomarkers (Lamin B1, SIRT1, PGC1α) and the stem cell niche integrity marker (collagen XVIIa) after 6 days of treatment. Additionally, there was substantial DNA damage and altered epigenetic markers, with reduced DNA methylation markers (5-mC, DNMT1) and increased DNA demethylation marker (5-hmC). These changes suggest that taxanes not only damage hair growth but also impair the HF's regenerative abilities, potentially leading to permanent chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). Counteracting these aging effects may reduce the risk of permanent CIA.