106 citations,
March 2014 in “BioEssays” We need more research to better understand human hair follicle stem cells for improved treatments for hair loss and skin cancer.
98 citations,
July 2014 in “Trends in Molecular Medicine” Hair follicles are hormone-sensitive and involved in growth and other functions, with potential for new treatments, but more research is needed.
86 citations,
April 2009 in “Journal of anatomy” Hard skin features like scales, feathers, and hair evolved through specific protein changes in different animal groups.
73 citations,
April 2010 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia” Dermoscopy helps diagnose and monitor treatment for hair loss from scarring conditions like discoid lupus and lichen planopilaris.
68 citations,
August 2014 in “PeerJ” Human hair proteins vary by individual, body site, and ethnicity, useful for forensics.
67 citations,
December 1990 in “The journal of cell biology/The Journal of cell biology” Researchers found genes for cysteine-rich proteins that form the protective layer of hair in humans and sheep.
59 citations,
September 2007 in “Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications” The TRPV3 gene mutation affects hair growth by keeping mice in the growth phase longer, which could help treat hair loss.
58 citations,
November 2004 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” The Foxn1 gene is essential for normal nail and hair development.
57 citations,
April 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Vitamin D receptor is crucial for starting hair growth after birth.
56 citations,
August 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Different women's hair and skin glands respond to hormones in varied ways, which can cause unwanted hair growth even with normal hormone levels, and more research is needed to treat this effectively.