Two Distinct Signaling Pathways in Hair Cycle Induction: Stat3-Dependent and Independent Pathways

November 2000 in “ Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America ”

Shigetoshi Sano, Masahiro Kira, Satoshi Takagi, Kunihiko Yoshikawa, Junji Takeda, Satoshi Itami

Studysummary This study demonstrated that anagen can be induced in Stat3-disrupted mice, suggesting that both Stat3-dependent and independent pathways, possibly involving PKC, mediate hair cycle progression with required PI3K activation.

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

The study identified two distinct signaling pathways involved in hair cycle induction in mice: a Stat3-dependent pathway crucial for spontaneous anagen progression and a Stat3-independent (likely PKC-dependent) pathway for hair regrowth induced by external stimuli like PMA application or hair plucking. Stat3-disrupted mice exhibited delayed anagen onset and reduced hair growth, but anagen could still be induced through chemical or mechanical stimulation, indicating that hair growth stimuli could bypass the Stat3 pathway. Both pathways required PI3K activation for keratinocyte migration, highlighting the complexity of hair growth regulation.

View this study on europepmc.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

7 / 7 results

research Splitting Hairs: Molecular Mechanisms of Hair and Feather Development

158 citations , November 1998 in “Cell”

β-catenin affects hair growth and can lead to tumors, needing more research for better understanding.

research Dermal-Epidermal Interactions in Hair Follicle Development and Maintenance

114 citations , October 1996 in “Dermatologic clinics”

This chapter reviews laboratory models used for studying alopecia therapies but provides no new experimental findings.

research Growth Factors in Hair Organ Development and the Hair Growth Cycle

90 citations , October 1996 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

This study found that red ginseng oil may enhance hair growth and protect skin from UV damage in mouse models by promoting regenerative processes and reducing inflammation.

research Expression of a Dominant Negative Mutant of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in the Epidermis of Transgenic Mice Elicits Striking Alterations in Hair Follicle Development and Skin Structure.

252 citations , November 1995 in “The EMBO Journal”

Blocking EGFR in mice causes hair loss and skin changes.

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 Mice With a Null Mutation of the TGFα Gene Have Abnormal Skin Architecture, Wavy Hair, and Curly Whiskers and Often Develop Corneal Inflammation

578 citations , April 1993 in “Cell”

This study found that mice with a disrupted TGFα gene display a curly whisker-coat phenotype, similar to waved-1 mice, suggesting TGFα's crucial role in skin architecture and hair development.

research The Secret Life of the Hair Follicle

745 citations , February 1992 in “Trends in genetics”

This article describes the potential role of various growth factors and molecules in regulating mammalian hair follicle development but does not present new experimental results.