The cell biology of human hair follicle pigmentation
December 2010
in “Pigment cell & melanoma research”
TLDR We need more research on human hair follicle pigmentation, not just mouse models.
The document highlighted the limited understanding of human hair follicle pigmentation regulation compared to the well-studied UVR-exposed epidermal-melanin unit. It pointed out that research has been hindered by gaps in knowledge about the hair growth cycle, which is closely linked to hair pigmentation. The author emphasized the need to focus on human follicular melanocytes rather than relying on mouse models, which may not accurately represent human conditions. The document raised important questions about the distinct nature of hair follicle and epidermal pigmentary units, the origin of melanomas, the existence of multiple follicular melanocyte sub-populations, and the sensitivity of follicular melanocytes to aging. The perspective aimed to elevate the importance of human hair follicle melanocytes and address species-specific issues often overlooked in pigmentation research.
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