HUC-MSC-Exosomes Deliver Let-7b/7f-5p to Dermal Papilla Cells for a Multi-Target Synergistic Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
June 2026
in “
Journal of Nanobiotechnology
”
hUC-MSC-exosomes human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes Let-7b-5p Let-7f-5p dermal papilla cells androgenetic alopecia hair follicle transition telogen anagen hair regeneration androgen receptor Wnt/β-catenin pathway TGF-β/Smad pathway DPC apoptosis hair density hair diameter stem cell exosomes hair growth cycle hair thinning hair thickening
TLDR Exosomes from stem cells can help treat hair loss by promoting hair growth and reducing hair follicle aging.
This study investigates the therapeutic potential of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (hUC-MSC-exosomes) in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The research demonstrates that these exosomes can be absorbed by dermal papilla cells (DPCs), promoting hair follicle transition from telogen to anagen, reducing miniaturization, and enhancing hair regeneration. The exosomes deliver Let-7b-5p and Let-7f-5p miRNAs, which target specific pathways to inhibit androgen receptor activity and DPC apoptosis, while activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and suppressing the TGF-β/Smad pathway. An exploratory clinical trial showed increased hair density and diameter in AGA patients, highlighting the exosomes' potential as a multi-target treatment.
