Exosomal miR-199a-3p From Dermal Papilla Cells Regulates Hair Follicle Pigmentation by Targeting POU2F1 in Melanocytes

This study investigates the role of exosomal miR-199a-3p from dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in regulating hair follicle pigmentation by targeting POU2F1 in melanocytes. The research demonstrates that DPC-derived exosomes (DPC-Exos) are internalized by melanocytes, enhancing their proliferation, reducing apoptosis, and increasing melanin production. miR-199a-3p was identified as a key exosomal cargo, directly targeting POU2F1, a gene involved in melanogenesis. The study also shows that exosomal miR-199a-3p promotes hair follicle growth and regulates melanogenesis-related genes. These findings highlight a DPC-MC regulatory axis mediated by miR-199a-3p/POU2F1, offering potential therapeutic targets for pigmentation disorders and strategies for animal coat color modulation.