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Glossary Gap Junctions

Gap junctions are specialized intercellular connections that allow for direct communication between adjacent cells through the exchange of ions and small molecules. In the context of hair biology, they play a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of hair follicle cells and facilitating the signaling necessary for hair growth and cycling. Key distinguishing characteristics of gap junctions include their formation by connexin proteins, which assemble to create channels that bridge the cytoplasmic space between cells, enabling coordinated cellular responses that are vital for healthy hair follicle function. Disruption of gap junction communication can contribute to hair loss and other hair disorders.

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research Epidermal Stem Cells do not Communicate Through Gap Junctions

73 citations , January 2002 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

In this study, researchers found that connexin 43-negative cells in the basal layer of the epidermis could serve as markers for keratinocyte stem cells, aiding their identification and separation.

research Gap junctions in Turing-type periodic feather pattern formation

8 citations , May 2024 in “PLoS Biology”

This study on feather pattern formation in chicken skin found that inhibiting gap junctional intercellular communication can lead to the emergence of new feather buds in specific spatial patterns, suggesting that GJIC may facilitate Turing-type periodic patterning by propagating inhibitory signals over long distances.

research Use of primary keratinocyte cultures from plucked human hairs for analysis of gap junctional intercellular communication

3 citations , January 1991 in “Toxicology in Vitro”

This study reports that hair follicle cultures are effective for gap junctional intercellular communication studies and can be used to assess the tumor-promoting activity of certain environmental chemicals.

research Gap junctions in Turing-type periodic feather pattern formation

April 2023 in “bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)”

This study found that gap junctional communication influences feather patterning by modulating Turing-type activator-inhibitor systems in chicken skin, suggesting its role in propagating inhibitory signals crucial for pattern formation.

Defective Expression of the Gap Junction Protein Pannexin-1 Channel Contributes to the Formation of PCOS-Related Androgenetic Alopecia

research Defective Expression of the Gap Junction Protein Pannexin-1 Channel Contributes to the Formation of PCOS-Realted Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2023 in “Advances in reproductive sciences”

This study found that women with PCOS and female androgenetic alopecia had significantly higher serum pannexin-1 channel levels compared to those without PCOS, suggesting a potential role in hair loss etiology.

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community I got a hair transplant a week ago and a small spot/gap appeared. Is this normal? I'm concerned hair won't grow there."

11 upvotes 3 weeks ago

A small spot or gap after a hair transplant is normal due to skin stretching during healing. Following post-procedure instructions is important, and the issue should resolve as swelling decreases.

community Happiness is just a gap between sheds

in Progress Pictures 107 upvotes 9 months ago

A user shared their experience with hair loss treatments, switching from 1mg finasteride and topical minoxidil to 5mg oral minoxidil and oral dutasteride, noting improvements despite shedding phases. Other users discussed the hair growth cycle, treatment effects, and shared advice on managing hair loss, including buzzing hair and maintaining mental health.

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