November 2022 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” This study found that early pigment cell markers Sox10 and c-KIT, as well as DCT/TRP-2, were detectable in melanogenically-active melanocytes of the anagen bulb in human hair follicles.
In this study, researchers explored the heterogeneity of pigment cells in the human scalp anagen hair follicle bulb and discovered unexpected subpopulations of melanocytes, including immature SOX10-negative cells, highlighting potential non-melanogenic roles or transitional migratory functions that require further investigation.
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April 2019 in “PLOS genetics” This study found that CD34- melanocyte stem cells regenerated pigmentation more efficiently, while CD34+ cells showed potential for neuron myelination, suggesting different therapeutic applications for each population.
November 2025 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” This study found that UVB exposure led to visible tanning and distinct DNA methylation changes in pigmentation genes in tan-capable skin but not in non-tan skin, highlighting GNAS as a potentially UVB-responsive gene.
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April 2005 in “Experimental Dermatology” This study found that stressed dermal fibroblasts significantly increased dopa oxidase activity in melanocytes from hair, skin, and eyes, suggesting the involvement of fibroblast-derived factors like basic Fibroblast Growth Factor.