Scalp Bacterial Species Influence SIRT1 And TERT Expression In Keratinocytes

The study characterized the human scalp hair follicle microbiome, revealing variations in microbiome species abundance based on follicle compartments, tissue lineage, and donor age. Staphylococcus epidermidis showed significant abundance variations, while Cutibacterium acnes and Malassezia restricta were consistently abundant and viable. Infection with S. epidermidis-specific bacteriophages induced dysbiosis and inhibited gene transcription related to hair follicle development and immune status. Additionally, the metabolite butyrate, produced by S. epidermidis and other commensals, was found to delay catagen and promote autophagy and mitochondrial activity in hair follicles. These findings suggested a potential strategy for managing hair follicle dysbiosis and hair growth disorders by targeting specific microbiome constituents and their metabolites.