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    Glossary Proteases

    Proteases are enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids by cleaving peptide bonds. In the context of hair loss and hair biology, proteases play a crucial role in various physiological processes, including hair follicle cycling and the regulation of hair growth. Dysregulation of protease activity can contribute to conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, where excessive proteolytic activity may lead to follicle miniaturization and hair thinning. Key distinguishing characteristics of proteases include their specificity for different peptide bonds and their classification into various families based on their catalytic mechanisms, such as serine, cysteine, and metalloproteases.

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    1. Biotin B vitamin, often sold as a hair supplement
    2. Exosomes Tiny cell-derived particles offered by clinics as an injectable treatment
    3. Microneedling Technique that makes tiny punctures in the scalp with fine needles
    4. Rapamycin Immune-suppressing drug, also called sirolimus
    5. Estradiol Estrogen hormone, prescribed in tablet, patch and gel forms