Exosomal miRNA-218-5p From Low-Passage Dermal Papilla Cells Modulates Hair Follicle Growth and Development

This study investigates the role of exosomal miRNA-218-5p derived from low-passage dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in modulating hair follicle (HF) growth and development. The research found that low-passage DPC-Exos significantly promote hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) proliferation and identified 36 differentially expressed miRNAs, with miR-218-5p being notably upregulated. This miRNA was shown to influence HF growth and development-related gene expression in HFSCs. The study confirmed the transport of exosomal miR-218-5p from DPCs to HFSCs and identified its involvement in signaling pathways crucial for HF growth. In vitro experiments further demonstrated that exosomal miR-218-5p actively promotes hair growth, suggesting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for hair disorders and a tool for enhancing wool production in mammals.