Referee Report for Advances in Understanding Hair Growth
January 2016
in “
Faculty of 1000 Research Ltd
”
hair follicles mesenchymal components epithelial components glycans anagen catagen telogen signaling pathways growth factors morphogens hair follicle homeostasis Yin Yang concept inflammation immune responses alopecia areata androgenetic alopecia metabolomics in vitro hair growth technologies hair growth phases hair loss conditions hair growth research
TLDR Glycans play a crucial role in regulating hair growth and follicle balance.
The document discussed the complex biology of hair follicles, focusing on the interaction between mesenchymal and epithelial components and the significant role of glycans in regulating hair growth. It emphasized the hair follicle's cyclical phases—growth (anagen), regression (catagen), and rest (telogen)—which are controlled by signaling pathways, growth factors, and morphogens. Glycans were highlighted as crucial modulators of these factors, affecting hair follicle homeostasis. The "Yin Yang" concept was used to describe the balance of opposing influences within the follicle. The document also pointed to the potential for future research to investigate the role of inflammation and immune responses in hair loss conditions such as alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia, with advancements in metabolomics and in vitro hair growth technologies providing new insights.
