microRNAs against baldness
Researchers from North Carolina State University have identified miR-218-5p microRNA, which promotes hair regeneration. It plays an important role in regulating the signaling pathway involved in the restoration of follicles, and can become the basis of a drug against hair loss.
Hair growth depends on the health of the cells of the papillary layer of the dermis, which regulate the growth cycle of the hair follicle. Modern methods of treating baldness, ranging from invasive surgery to chemical procedures, are usually expensive, ineffective and often exhibit undesirable side effects.
Recent studies show that the hair follicles in the area of baldness do not disappear completely, but simply decrease. A research team led by Ke Cheng and Randall Terry Jr. suggested that if the number of cells in the papillary layer of the dermis is increased, the hair follicles will regain shape and function.
The group cultured cells of the papillary layer of the dermis both in ordinary laboratory utensils and in a spheroid – a three-dimensional cellular structure that effectively recreates the natural microenvironment of the cell.
The study used mice of the C57BL/6 line, which are widely used in studies of hair physiology, because the dominant mouse of this line in the cell selectively removes hair from subordinates, and at the age of 7 weeks, their hair follicles on the back after the active growth phase (anagen) enter the pause phase (catagen) preceding the phase of follicle death (telogen). The researchers compared how quickly the hair grew in three groups of animals: the first received treatment with papillary dermis cells cultured in ordinary dishes, the second with the same cells, but cultured in a spheroid, and the third with the hair growth stimulator minoxidil. Mice from the second group, who received cells grown in a 3D frame, showed the best result: 90% hair growth in 15 days.
The researchers were also interested in how the cells of the papillary layer of the dermis regulate the process of follicle growth, so they specifically studied exosomes, in particular, exosomal microRNAs from this microenvironment of follicles.
microRNAs are small molecules that regulate gene expression. The group studied microRNA molecules in the exosomes of papillary dermis cells grown in a 3D frame and in standard dishes. miR-218-5p microRNA was identified in exosomes of cells from a 3D spheroid, which enhanced the work of the signaling pathway that stimulates the growth of the hair follicle. The researchers found that activation of miR-218-5p promotes hair follicle growth, and inhibition leads to loss of follicle function.
Cell therapy using papillary dermis cells cultured in a three-dimensional framework has shown effectiveness in mouse models of baldness and can be an effective means for treating people, but it will take a lot of effort to grow, preserve and introduce these cells into the treatment area. miR-218-5p molecules, on the other hand, can be used in preparations based on small molecules. To do this, it is enough to create a cream or lotion that will have a similar effect with cell therapy with much less cost. Therefore, future research by the authors will focus on the use of this particular microRNA to stimulate hair growth.
Article S.Hu et al. Dermal exosomes containing miR-218-5p promote hair regeneration by regulating β-catenin signaling is published in the journal Science Advances.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru Based on NC State University: Researchers Identify microRNA That Shows Promise for Hair Regrowth.