The study aim was to discover the mechanisms behind tumor growth. The researchers identified the processes responsible for hair loss and grey hair, a discovery that could lead to new treatments for the conditions.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, by the age of 35, probably two thirds of males in United States will experience some degree of hair loss, and of all those with the condition in the U.S., 40 percent are female.
When it comes to grey hair, the study in 2012 found that 6 to 23 percent of adults across the globe can expect to have at least 50 percent grey hair coverage at the age of 50 years.
While hair loss and grey hair are considered to be a normal part of aging, for some, the conditions can be highly distressing. Dr. Le and colleagues believe that their discovery could pave way to new treatments for grey hair and baldness.
In the study, Dr. Le and team found that once stem cells move to the base of hair follicles, a protein called KROX20 - better known for its role in nerve development - is activated in skin cells that form hair shafts, known as hair progenitor cells.
The researchers found that when KROX20 is activated, the hair progenitor cells produce SCF, which they discovered is crucial for hair pigmentation.
In mice with skin cells that possessed both KROX20 and SCF, the researchers found that the skin cells communicated with melanocyte cells to form pigmented hairs. Melanocyte cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.
When the researchers deleted SCF in the mice, the researchers found that the rodents grew grey hairs, and these hairs turned white with age. When KROX20-producing cells were erased, the mice did not grow any hair. CONTINUE READING
CULLED FROM MEDICALNEWSTODAY
According to the American Hair Loss Association, by the age of 35, probably two thirds of males in United States will experience some degree of hair loss, and of all those with the condition in the U.S., 40 percent are female.
When it comes to grey hair, the study in 2012 found that 6 to 23 percent of adults across the globe can expect to have at least 50 percent grey hair coverage at the age of 50 years.
While hair loss and grey hair are considered to be a normal part of aging, for some, the conditions can be highly distressing. Dr. Le and colleagues believe that their discovery could pave way to new treatments for grey hair and baldness.
In the study, Dr. Le and team found that once stem cells move to the base of hair follicles, a protein called KROX20 - better known for its role in nerve development - is activated in skin cells that form hair shafts, known as hair progenitor cells.
The researchers found that when KROX20 is activated, the hair progenitor cells produce SCF, which they discovered is crucial for hair pigmentation.
In mice with skin cells that possessed both KROX20 and SCF, the researchers found that the skin cells communicated with melanocyte cells to form pigmented hairs. Melanocyte cells produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes.
When the researchers deleted SCF in the mice, the researchers found that the rodents grew grey hairs, and these hairs turned white with age. When KROX20-producing cells were erased, the mice did not grow any hair. CONTINUE READING
CULLED FROM MEDICALNEWSTODAY
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