TLDR Wnt3a activates certain genes in hair follicle cells, including a newly discovered one, EP2, which may affect hair growth.
In 2010, researchers explored how human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) respond to Wnt/β-catenin signaling, with a focus on identifying genes targeted by this pathway. They discovered that Wnt3a activates the β-catenin responsive TCF reporter and upregulates several genes, including EP2, a prostaglandin E2 receptor, which was newly identified as a transcriptional target of Wnt3a. Further analysis showed that DPCs pre-treated with Wnt3a had an increased response to PGE2, indicated by higher CAMP levels. These findings suggest that Wnt3a-regulated genes like EP2 may play a role in hair growth and maintaining the anagen phase of the hair cycle. The study implies a link between Wnt signaling and hair follicle function, but additional in vivo research is necessary to confirm these effects. The number of DPC samples or participants was not mentioned in the summary.
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