Thymosin Beta 4 Increases Hair Growth by Activation of Hair Follicle Stem Cells

December 2003 in “ The FASEB Journal ”

Deborah Philp, Mychi Nguyen, Brooke Scheremeta, Sharleen St-Surin, Ana Villa, Adam Orgel, Hynda K. Kleinman, Michael Elkin

Thymosin β4 hair follicle stem cells hair follicular keratinocytes hair follicle bulge region clonogenic keratinocytes matrix metalloproteinase-2 extracellular matrix remodeling Thymosin Beta-4 MMP-2

Studysummary In this study, thymosin beta4 was found to stimulate hair growth in normal rats and mice by affecting key processes in the hair follicle cycle, such as stem cell migration and extracellular matrix remodeling.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study from December 4, 2003, found that Thymosin β4, a polypeptide, significantly promotes hair growth by activating hair follicle stem cells. It was observed that Thymosin β4 increases the migration and differentiation of hair follicular keratinocytes from the hair follicle bulge region, which is a stem cell niche. The presence of Thymosin β4 led to increased migration and differentiation of clonogenic keratinocytes and elevated expression and secretion of matrix metalloproteinase-2, an enzyme important for extracellular matrix remodeling. These results suggest that Thymosin β4 plays a crucial role in hair growth by enhancing stem cell migration, protease production, and differentiation, which are key processes in the hair follicle cycle. However, the number of subjects in the study was not provided, making it difficult to assess the study's strength.

View this study on faseb.onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Control of Hair Growth and Follicle Size by VEGF-Mediated Angiogenesis

520 citations , February 2001 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

This study found that VEGF significantly enhances perifollicular vascularization during the hair growth phase, accelerating hair regrowth and increasing follicle and hair size, while its inhibition retards hair growth.

research Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator Expressed in Hair Follicles Is Involved in In Vitro HGF-Dependent Hair Follicle Elongation

77 citations , February 2001 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

HGF activator helps convert HGF to its active form, promoting hair growth.

research Morphogenesis and Renewal of Hair Follicles from Adult Multipotent Stem Cells

949 citations , January 2001 in “Cell”

This study demonstrated that multipotent stem cells in adult mice whisker follicles migrate to produce whisker growth, and that this process requires precise control of stem cell trafficking.

research Involvement of Follicular Stem Cells in Forming Not Only the Follicle but Also the Epidermis

1010 citations , August 2000 in “Cell”

In this study, researchers found that hair follicle stem cells in mice can generate both hair follicle and epidermis cells, highlighting their potential bipotency.

research Basement Membrane Zone Remodeling During Appendageal Development in Human Fetal Skin: The Absence of Type VII Collagen Is Associated with Gelatinase-A (MMP2) Activity

42 citations , February 2000 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that Gelatinase A activity is linked to the absence of type VII collagen during human fetal skin development, indicating its role in remodeling the basement membrane zone.

research Hair Cycle-Dependent Expression of Hepatocyte Growth Factor Activator, Other Proteinases, and Proteinase Inhibitors Correlates with the Expression of Hepatocyte Growth Factor in Rat Hair Follicles

33 citations , December 1999 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings”

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations , August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

This article discusses the biologic and psychosocial significance of hair, the current limitations in hair growth drugs, and anticipates future therapies based on advancing hair follicle research.

research Hair Regrowth

118 citations , April 1998 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This review discusses the advancements in understanding and treating androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata but reports no clinical findings; the authors emphasize the need for further research on molecular control mechanisms.

research Immortalized Rat Whisker Dermal Papilla Cells Cooperate with Mouse Immature Hair Follicle Buds to Activate Type IV Procollagenases in Collagen Matrix Coculture: Correlation with Ability to Promote Hair Follicle Development in Nude Mouse Grafts

11 citations , August 1995 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Cells Within the Bulge Region of Mouse Hair Follicle Transiently Proliferate During Early Anagen: Heterogeneity and Functional Differences of Various Hair Cycles

research Cells Within the Bulge Region of Mouse Hair Follicle Transiently Proliferate During Early Anagen: Heterogeneity and Functional Differences of Various Hair Cycles

130 citations , January 1994 in “Differentiation”

In this study, researchers found that bulge cells in mouse hair follicles undergo transient proliferation during early anagen, indicating their role as follicular stem cells. However, another factor beyond dermal papilla proximity may be required to initiate a new anagen phase.

research Growth Factors Specifically Alter Hair Follicle Cell Proliferation and Collagenolytic Activity Alone or in Combination

56 citations , December 1990 in “Differentiation”

Growth factors can either promote or inhibit hair follicle cell growth and collagen breakdown.

research Epithelial Growth by Rat Vibrissae Follicles In Vitro Requires Mesenchymal Contact via Native Extracellular Matrix

66 citations , August 1990 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Epithelial cell growth in rat hair follicles needs contact with mesenchymal cells through the extracellular matrix.