The mRNA for Protease Nexin-1 is Expressed in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and its Level is Affected by Androgen

In 1999, researchers discovered that Protease Nexin-1 (PN-1) mRNA is present in human dermal papilla cells and that its levels are significantly reduced by dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in cells from balding scalp, but not from other scalp or beard areas. This reduction could be reversed by cyproterone acetate, an antiandrogen. The study, which included skin samples from 12 male patients aged 21-63, suggests that PN-1 may play a role in hair growth regulation and that its downregulation by androgens could contribute to male-pattern baldness. The consistency of the results was confirmed through multiple testing methods on DPCs from a single donor.