Molecular And Cellular Basis Of Exogen And Anagen Induction

This doctoral thesis explored the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in hair follicle cycling, focusing on the roles of the dermal papilla and the exogen phase. The research demonstrated that cultured human dermal papilla cells could retain their inductive capacity, which is crucial for anagen initiation and cycling, without needing other cell types. Additionally, the study developed a new model for the exogen phase using vibrissa follicles, revealing that club fibre loss is a gradual process involving structural and adhesive changes. Microarray analysis identified 75 genes associated with exogen, highlighting the role of proteases and their inhibitors in club fibre retention and release. The findings provided evidence that exogen is a progressive phase marked by cell maturation and differentiation, contributing to a deeper understanding of hair cycle dynamics.