70 citations
,
December 2004 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences” This study found that BMP signaling influences hair pigmentation in mice by affecting the Agouti protein and interacts with MC-1R pathways to modulate melanin production.
60 citations
,
August 2005 in “Endocrinology” This study suggests that αMSH may play a regulatory role in human dermal papilla cells, potentially influencing immune and inflammatory responses in hair follicles, which could contribute to inflammatory alopecia.
43 citations
,
May 1999 in “Journal of Biological Chemistry” This study found that full-length Agouti protein modulates melanocortin receptor signaling through a dual mechanism involving competitive antagonism and receptor down-regulation, whereas the carboxyl-terminal fragment acts solely as a competitive antagonist.
32 citations
,
October 2004 in “Experimental Dermatology” This study found that α-MSH acts as a modulator of inflammatory and fibrogenic responses in human fibroblastic skin cells, indicating potential therapeutic options for fibrotic skin disorders and inflammatory diseases of the hair follicle.
22 citations
,
June 2010 in “Experimental Dermatology” This study reported that patients with alopecia areata have reduced expression of the melanocortin receptor MC2R in their scalp tissues compared to normal scalp, indicating potential involvement in the condition's pathophysiology.