July 2026 in “Cell Transplantation” This systematic umbrella review highlights the central role of dermal papilla (DP) fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of androgenic alopecia (AGA). The review synthesizes evidence from 43 articles, revealing that DP cells express high levels of androgen receptor and 5α-reductase type II, which, upon activation by dihydrotestosterone, lead to several detrimental effects: downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, upregulation of TGF-β/BMP pathway, altered secretion profiles, impaired DP cell aggregation, destruction of hair follicle stem cell activation, and induction of inflammation and fibrosis. These findings underscore the dysfunction of DP cells as a key driver of hair follicle miniaturization in AGA, suggesting that targeting DP cell dysfunction could be a viable therapeutic strategy. Evidence regarding the role of dermal sheath cells as a DP cell reserve remains limited.
April 2023 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Defective T cell metabolism can cause early skin aging and poor hair follicle stem cell function.
1 citations
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February 2025 in “Scientific Reports” CD4 is crucial for maintaining skin stem cell balance and aiding wound healing.
December 2015 in “Vascular Pharmacology” Hair papilla cells are crucial for blood vessel development in hair follicles, affecting hair growth and loss.
126 citations
,
October 1998 in “Experimental Dermatology” The hr gene is crucial for skin and hair health, with mutations causing hair disorders.
13 citations
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May 2022 in “Cell discovery” The study found new details about human hair growth and suggests that preventing a specific biological pathway could potentially treat hair graying.
10 citations
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December 2015 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” PDCD4 is important for controlling skin cell growth and healing.
16 citations
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May 2015 in “Tissue Engineering Part C-methods” A two-step method was created in 2015 to make more cells that help with hair growth, but they need to be combined with other cells for 4 days to actually form new hair.
15 citations
,
May 2017 in “Journal of Cellular Biochemistry” The hairless protein is important for skin, hair, and may influence cancer development.
July 2016 in “Cancer research” Mutant cells in hair follicles are influenced by their location and interactions with surrounding cells.
1 citations
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July 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The mutation causes hairless mice due to mislocalized and dysfunctional HR protein.
2 citations
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August 2012 in “Cell Stem Cell” The study showed that some hair follicle stem cells wake up to grow hair while others stay asleep, and that the environment around them is important for hair growth.
Alopecia areata involves immune system changes, especially in severe cases, with potential new treatment targets identified.
July 2020 in “Research Square (Research Square)” A 3D co-culture model improved stem cell function and wound healing.
January 2024 in “SSRN Electronic Journal” November 2010 in “PubMed” Human hair keratin can help repair fat tissue.
April 2023 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” The research identified unique metabolic activities in immune cells associated with hair loss in Alopecia Areata.
8 citations
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September 2002 in “Genes to Cells” Killing specific cells in hair follicles can lead to hair growth problems in mice.
1235 citations
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December 2013 in “Nature” Two fibroblast types shape skin structure and repair differently.
21 citations
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August 2017 in “Journal of veterinary internal medicine” Combining amino acid and stem cell therapy may help manage hepatocutaneous syndrome in dogs.
18 citations
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June 1993 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” Human hair follicles can be used to create skin-like tissue for wound healing and drug testing.
6 citations
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July 2013 in “Molecular Imaging” The technique allowed noninvasive tracking of hair stem cell survival and growth, showing potential for hair loss research.
30 citations
,
June 2000 in “Journal of dermatological science” Human keratinocytes do not naturally respond to androgens.
A comprehensive human skin cell atlas was created to better understand skin biology and disease.
30 citations
,
September 2000 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Fatty acid composition in human skin, mouth, and hair cells varies with keratinization, and cultured cells show essential fatty acid deficiency.
22 citations
,
January 2017 in “Advanced Healthcare Materials” The hydrogels help harvest cells while preserving their mechanical memory, which could improve wound healing.
32 citations
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May 2012 in “PloS one” Thymic transplantation normalized some T-cells but not others, maintaining immune function.
35 citations
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October 2013 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” VEGF165 influences hair follicle cell growth and movement through VEGFR-2 activation.
28 citations
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January 2012 in “Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin” Hairless protein can both repress and activate vitamin D receptor functions, affecting gene regulation.
42 citations
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July 2010 in “European Journal of Cell Biology” Thyroid hormones affect hair follicle stem cells by promoting differentiation and reducing growth.