TRPV4 Is Expressed in Human Hair Follicles and Inhibits Hair Growth In Vitro

The study found that the TRPV4 ion channel was expressed in the outer root sheath of human hair follicles and its activation inhibited hair growth in vitro. Activation of TRPV4 by the agonist GSK1016790A resulted in decreased hair shaft elongation, increased the catagen phase, and reduced cell proliferation while increasing apoptosis in hair follicle cells. These effects were due to calcium influx and could be blocked by a TRPV4 antagonist. The research suggested that TRPV4, similar to TRPV1 and TRPV3, played a role in hair follicle cycling and could be a potential target for further research on hair growth and related disorders.