A Novel Cell-Penetrating Peptide Supports Hair Follicle Growth Through Anti-Inflammatory and Growth Factor-Associated Mechanisms in Preclinical Models
April 2026
in “
BMC Biotechnology
”
cell-penetrating peptide DualPep-ALO hair follicle growth follicular microenvironment regenerative pathways human follicle dermal papilla cells Wnt/β-catenin signaling ERK signaling antioxidant effects anti-inflammatory effects pro-regenerative effects antioxidant enzyme activity pro-inflammatory cytokines growth factors VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor HGF hepatocyte growth factor EGF epidermal growth factor ex vivo human scalp tissue hair follicle elongation anagen phase minoxidil Rogaine
The study investigates a novel synthetic cell-penetrating peptide, DualPep-ALO, for promoting hair growth by enhancing the follicular microenvironment and stimulating regenerative pathways. DualPep-ALO was selected from over 200 peptides for its ability to proliferate human follicle dermal papilla cells and activate Wnt/β-catenin and ERK signaling. It demonstrated significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative effects, including increased antioxidant enzyme activity, suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and upregulation of growth factors like VEGF, HGF, and EGF. In ex vivo human scalp tissue, DualPep-ALO promoted hair follicle elongation and maintained the anagen phase, showing results comparable to minoxidil. These findings suggest DualPep-ALO as a promising topical agent for hair loss, meriting further clinical trials to confirm its efficacy and safety.
