Collagenase IV Plays an Important Role in Regulating Hair Cycle by Inducing VEGF, IGF-1, and TGF-β Expression.

The study explored the role of type IV collagenases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, in hair cycle regulation by inducing VEGF, IGF-1, and TGF-β expression. Using mice treated with the collagenase IV inhibitor SB-3CT, researchers observed that mRNA expressions of these enzymes peaked during the late anagen phase and decreased at telogen. Inhibition of collagenase IV significantly suppressed hair growth and reduced the expression of VEGF, IGF-1, and TGF-β, while an MMPs agonist increased their expression. The findings indicated that MMP-2 and MMP-9 were crucial in the hair cycle by modulating these growth factors.