Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

Gene 2018 Dec 3. Epub 2018 Dec 3.

College of Animal Science & Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, PR China. Electronic address:

The HOTAIR transcript is transcribed from the antisense strand within the HOXC gene cluster, and it is thought to play a role in regulating the inductive capacity of dermal papilla cells during the reconstruction of hair-follicle. In the current investigation, we firstly isolated and characterized a lncRNA-HOTAIR transcript from the secondary hair follicle of cashmere goat. Also, we analyzed its transcriptional pattern and methylation level of HOTAIR gene promoter in secondary hair follicle of cashmere goat during anagen and telogen stages. Read More

Mol Med Rep 2018 Nov 26. Epub 2018 Nov 26.

Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, P.R. China.

Nestin, a type-VI intermediate filament protein, serves as a marker for neural stem cells, and is also known to be expressed in follicle stem cells. Hair follicles go through repeated cycles of anagen (growth), catagen (regression) and telogen (quiescence) throughout the life of mammals following morphogenesis. In the present study it was demonstrated that in mice, the maturation of hair follicles includes the period between morphogenesis and the first anagen (4 weeks of age). Read More

EMBO Rep 2018 Nov 9. Epub 2018 Nov 9.

Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA

Directional migration is inherently important for epithelial tissue regeneration and repair, but how it is precisely controlled and coordinated with cell proliferation is unclear. Here, we report that Ovol2, a transcriptional repressor that inhibits epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), plays a crucial role in adult skin epithelial regeneration and repair. -deficient mice show compromised wound healing characterized by aberrant epidermal cell migration and proliferation, as well as delayed anagen progression characterized by defects in hair follicle matrix cell proliferation and subsequent differentiation. Read More

Skin Appendage Disord 2018 Oct 7;4(4):268-273. Epub 2017 Dec 7.

Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias de la Salud, UANL, Mexico.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss in humans. Despite being a very frequent dermatological entity, molecular pathophysiology remains unclear. Several authors relate the presentation of AGA with a premature apoptotic process during the anagen phase and with an inflammatory microenvironment in the hair follicle. Read More

Skin Appendage Disord 2018 Oct 22;4(4):261-263. Epub 2018 Mar 22.

Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA.

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disorder in which immune attack of the anagen follicle causes hair loss in approximately 2% of the population. Although the pathogenesis of AA has not been fully determined, most likely it is mediated by a variety of factors including cellular/humoral immunity and genetic predisposition. Researchers have been interested in the possible role of the complement pathway in AA since the 1970s. Read More

Forensic Sci Int 2018 Dec 25;293:63-69. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Counterterrorism and Forensic Science Research Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation Laboratory Division, 2501 Investigation Parkway, Quantico, VA 22135, United States. Electronic address:

A postmortem root band (PMRB) is defined as "an opaque ellipsoidal band composed of a collection of parallel elongated air/gas spaces and is approximately 0.5mm above the root bulb and about 2mm below the skin surface" [1]. It is generally accepted that it can appear in the root of hairs attached to remains during decomposition [1]. Read More

Lupus Sci Med 2018 25;5(1):e000291. Epub 2018 Oct 25.

Corporal Michael J Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Several patterns of hair loss can occur in lupus erythematosus (LE). Alopecias which show histological characteristics of LE are LE-specific, and include discoid LE (DLE), diffuse or patchy hair loss in acute LE, subacute cutaneous LE, and rarely tumid LE. Lupus hair in SLE is a poorly characterised entity and may be a form of telogen effluvium. Read More

Int J Trichology 2018 Jul-Aug;10(4):188-190

Department of Dermatology, Rita Skin Foundation, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Dermatol Ther 2018 Oct 29:e12778. Epub 2018 Oct 29.

Fidia Farmaceutici s.p.a., Abano Terme, Italy.

Hair loss is a common aesthetic disorder that can be triggered by genetic, inflammatory, hormonal, and environmental factors acting on hair follicles and their life cycle. There are several types of hair loss that differ in causes, symptoms, and spatial and temporal progression. Androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss, is the consequence of a decreased microcirculation of the scalp as well as the toxic action of elevated dihydrotestosterone levels on the hair bulbs. Read More

PLoS One 2018 24;13(10):e0204404. Epub 2018 Oct 24.

College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.

There are two main types of hair follicle in Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats, the primary hair follicle (PHF) producing hair fibers and the secondary hair follicle (SHF) producing cashmere fibers. Of both fibers from cashmere-bearing goats in Aerbasi, Inner Mongolia, the timing of cyclical phases for the cashmere have been well clarified but hair fibers have been less noticeable. Herein, we evaluated transcriptome of PHF and SHF from the same three goats in Aerbasi at the catagen- and telogen phase of cashmere growth. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2018 Oct 23. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Department of Dermatology, Self-employed, Konya, Turkey.

Background/ Objectives: Isotretinoin is a synthetic vitamin A agent that affects all of the pathogenic factors that suppress sebum production and play a role in the formation of acne. It is frequently used in the treatment of moderate-severe acne vulgaris. However, there are some mucocutaneous and systemic side effects that limit the use of isotretinoin. Read More

Hum Mol Genet 2018 Oct 16. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40536, United States of America.

The extracellular signal-related kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) pathway is a highly conserved signaling cascade with numerous essential functions in development. The scaffold protein Shoc2 amplifies the activity of the ERK1/2 pathway, and is an essential modulator of a variety of signaling inputs. Germline mutations in Shoc2 are associated with the human developmental disease known as Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair (NSLH). Read More

Hum Mutat 2018 Nov;39(11):1485-1493

Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.

The RASopathies are a complex group of conditions regarding phenotype and genetic etiology. The ClinGen RASopathy Expert Panel (RAS EP) assessed published and other publicly available evidence supporting the association of 19 genes with RASopathy conditions. Using the semiquantitative literature curation method developed by the ClinGen Gene Curation Working Group, evidence for each gene was curated and scored for Noonan syndrome (NS), Costello syndrome, cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, NS with multiple lentigines, and Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair. Read More

Exp Dermatol 2018 Oct 11. Epub 2018 Oct 11.

Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.

Background: Diffuse alopecia areata (DAA) often leads to a complete hair shedding within a few months.

Objective: To explore features and mechanisms underlying DAA.

Materials And Methods: Scalp and hair root dermoscopy were conducted on 23 DAA patients throughout the disease process, 20 patchy Alopecia areata patients, 23 acute telogen effluvium (ATE) patients and 10 normal controls. Read More

Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018 Nov 3;505(3):685-691. Epub 2018 Oct 3.

Laboratory of Cutaneous Aging and Hair Research, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Institute of Human Environment Interface Biology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Dermatology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea. Electronic address:

Background: Sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, is known to increase the intracellular level of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which causes vasodilation. However, the effect of sildenafil on human hair follicles (hHFs) is unknown.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the role of sildenafil in hair growth. Read More

Arch Dermatol Res 2018 Dec 5;310(10):843-848. Epub 2018 Oct 5.

Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.

Many hair loss disorders, including non-scaring alopecia, are caused by the arrest of hair follicles at the telogen phase, and the failure to enter the growth phase. Several studies report the efficacy of tofacitinib in promoting hair growth, by mechanisms not precisely known. The aim of this study was to identify other mechanisms by which tofacitinib, applied topically, promotes hair growth. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2018 Oct 1. Epub 2018 Oct 1.

Hemocentro, Hemostasis Laboratory, University of Campinas UNICAMP, Carlos Chagas Street, 480, CEP: 13083-878, Campinas, SP, Brazil.

Background: Promising results were described with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in androgenetic alopecia that could be associated to platelet number and growth factor levels.

Objective: Analyze the platelet number and growth factor levels in PRP and its correlation with hair growth parameters evaluated by TrichoScan.

Methods: Twenty-six patients randomized to receive four subcutaneous injections of PRP or saline. Read More

Sci Rep 2018 Sep 21;8(1):14227. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

College of Animal Science, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, 010018, China.

It is widely accepted that the periodic cycle of hair follicles is controlled by the biological clock, but the molecular regulatory mechanisms of the hair follicle cycle have not been thoroughly studied. The secondary hair follicle of the cashmere goat is characterized by seasonal periodic changes throughout life. In the hair follicle cycle, the initiation of hair follicles is of great significance for hair follicle regeneration. Read More

Am J Med Genet A 2018 Sep 21;176(9):2024-2027. Epub 2018 Sep 21.

Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Metabolism, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Noonan syndrome (NS), the most common of the RASopathies, is a developmental disorder caused by heterozygous germline mutations in genes encoding proteins in the RAS-MAPK signaling pathway. Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair (NSLH, including NSLH1, OMIM #607721 and NSLH2, OMIM #617506) is characterized by typical features of NS with additional findings of macrocephaly, loose anagen hair, growth hormone deficiency in some, and a higher incidence of intellectual disability. All NSLH1 reported cases to date have had an SHOC2 c. Read More

Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2018 10;11:431-436. Epub 2018 Sep 10.

Clinical Research, Farmoquímica S.A, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Purpose: Telogen effluvium (TE) is defined as a diffuse hair loss characterized by shortening of the anagen phase and precipitation of the telogen phase, with a consequent reduction of total hair volume. Nutritional supplementation is indicated under conditions in which TE is related to dietary disorders. The aim of this clinical study was to compare the efficacy of two different supplements in monotherapy for TE. Read More

BMC Neurol 2018 Sep 20;18(1):150. Epub 2018 Sep 20.

Division of Pediatrics Neurology, China Medical University, Children's Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.

Background: Noonan syndrome-like disorder with loose anagen hair-2 (NSLH2) is an extremely rare disease caused by a heterozygous mutation in the PPP1CB gene on chromosome 2p23. The syndrome causes not only numerous dysmorphic features but also hypotonia, developmental delay, and even intellectual disability. We report the first case of NSLH2 in Asia and the 16th in the world. Read More

Neurol India 2018 Sep-Oct;66(5):1469-1474

Department of Radiotherapy, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Objective: The aim of this study is to report the pattern, timing, responsible radiation parameters, and dosimetric results on the outcome of alopecia following gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for various intracranial pathologies. A literature review of radiation-induced alopecia and observation of this complication with GKRS are also included.

Materials And Methods: The authors report 6 cases of GKRS-induced focal temporary alopecia without dermal fibrosis or clinical scarring and with no long-term squeal. Read More

Nat Commun 2018 09 18;9(1):3624. Epub 2018 Sep 18.

Centre for Dermatology Research, MAHSC and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.

Olfactory receptors are expressed by different cell types throughout the body and regulate physiological cell functions beyond olfaction. In particular, the olfactory receptor OR2AT4 has been shown to stimulate keratinocyte proliferation in the skin. Here, we show that the epithelium of human hair follicles, particularly the outer root sheath, expresses OR2AT4, and that specific stimulation of OR2AT4 by a synthetic sandalwood odorant (Sandalore) prolongs human hair growth ex vivo by decreasing apoptosis and increasing production of the anagen-prolonging growth factor IGF-1. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2018 Sep 14;19(9). Epub 2018 Sep 14.

Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Jeju National University, 102 Jejudaehakno, Jeju 63243, Korea.

Hair growth is regulated by the interaction between dermal papilla cells (DPC) and other cells inside the hair follicle. Here, we show the effect and action mechanism of mackerel-derived fermented fish oil (FFO) extract and its component docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the control of hair growth. The hair growth effect of FFO extract was evaluated by the culture method of vibrissa follicles and in vivo dotmatrix planimetry method. Read More

Sci Rep 2018 Sep 13;8(1):13785. Epub 2018 Sep 13.

Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

Hair loss is characterized by a shortened hair anagen phase and hair follicles (HF) miniaturization. Morroniside is the most abundant iridoid glycoside extracted from Cornus officinalis and has various bioactivities in different cell functions and tissue regeneration. In this study, we investigated the effects and the underlying mechanism of morroniside on hair growth and regulation of HF cycle transition. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2018 Sep 11;19(9). Epub 2018 Sep 11.

Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Engineering, Seowon University, Cheongju 28674, Korea.

The functional aspect of scalp hair is not only to protect from solar radiation and heat/cold exposure but also to contribute to one's appearance and personality. Progressive hair loss has a cosmetic and social impact. Hair undergoes three stages of hair cycle: the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases. Read More

Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2019 Jan 10;83(1):114-122. Epub 2018 Sep 10.

a Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry , RIKEN Center for Brain Science , Saitama , Japan.

The present study describes the hair growth-promoting effects of sodium thiosulfate (STS), a widely used compound, in mice. STS accelerated hair growth in the "telogen model", suggesting that it stimulates telogen hair follicles to reenter the anagen phase of hair growth. In the same model, STS potentiated hair growth in an additive manner with minoxidil (MXD), a drug used for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Read More

Skin Appendage Disord 2018 Aug 16;4(3):160-165. Epub 2017 Nov 16.

2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Attikon" General University Hospital, Athens, Greece.

Introduction: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in females is a difficult to treat skin disorder. A novel topical botanical lotion has been approved for its treatment. It acts by increasing Bcl-2, perifollicular Langerhans and mast cells, and perifollicular collagen. Read More

Pediatr Dermatol 2018 Nov 6;35(6):e345-e347. Epub 2018 Sep 6.

Broward Health Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

We report a unique case of pressure-induced alopecia (PIA) in a 11-year-old boy following the use of electroencephalogram (EEG) electrodes on the scalp for 4 days. PIA is caused by localized ischemia leading to vascular congestion and discrete, often circumscribed patches of hair loss within 3-28 days of pressure interface. The synchronous conversion of follicles from anagen to catagen or telogen phase is the most distinctive finding of PIA. Read More

Korean J Physiol Pharmacol 2018 Sep 27;22(5):555-566. Epub 2018 Aug 27.

Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06973, Korea.

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) are used in tissue repair and regeneration; however, the mechanisms involved are not well understood. We investigated the hair growth-promoting effects of hUCB-MSCs treatment to determine whether hUCB-MSCs enhance the promotion of hair growth. Furthermore, we attempted to identify the factors responsible for hair growth. Read More

BMC Genomics 2018 Aug 28;19(1):638. Epub 2018 Aug 28.

College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.

Background: Hair follicles (HFs), upon development, undergo repetitive cycles of growth (anagen), regression (catagen), and rest (telogen). The transition between the stages is determined by multiple molecular signals, including DNA methylation, which plays important roles in mammalian cellular identity and is essential for the development of HFs. Secondary hair follicles (SHFs) in cashmere goat exhibit classic cyclic hair development, and little has been done on a genome-wide scale to examine potentially methylated genes involved in the hair cyclic transition. Read More

J Dermatol Sci 2018 Oct 16;92(1):18-29. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon, South Korea; STEMORE Co. Ltd., Incheon, South Korea. Electronic address:

Background: Previous studies demonstrated that adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) can promote hair growth, but unmet needs exist for enhancing ASC hair inductivity.

Objective: Therefore, we introduced three trichogenic factors platelet-derived growth factor-A, SOX2, and β-catenin to ASCs (tfASCs) and evaluated whether tfASCs have similar characteristics as dermal papilla (DP) cells.

Method: Global gene expression was examined using NGS analysis. Read More

Sci Rep 2018 Aug 24;8(1):12800. Epub 2018 Aug 24.

Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.

Barrier function of hair follicles (HFs) is of great interest because they might be an entry port for allergens/pathogens, but could on the other hand be used for drug delivery or vaccination. Therefore we investigated tight junction (TJ) barrier function in human HFs. We show that there is a TJ barrier in the outermost living layer bordering to the environment from the infundibulum to the lower central part and between Henle's and Huxles layer of anagen HFs. Read More

BMC Genomics 2018 Aug 23;19(1):630. Epub 2018 Aug 23.

College of Animal Science & Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.

Background: During hair growth, cortical cells emerging from the proliferative follicle bulb rapidly undergo a differentiation program and synthesize large amounts of hair keratin proteins. In this process, HOXC13 is one critical regulatory factor, proved by the hair defects in HOXC13 mutant mice and HOXC13 mutant patients. However, inconsistent conclusions were drawn from previous researches regarding the regulation of HOXC13 on different keratins. Read More

J Dermatol 2018 Oct 13;45(10):1160-1165. Epub 2018 Aug 13.

Department of Dermatology, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan.

Azathioprine (AZA)-metabolizing enzyme gene polymorphism is strongly related to thiopurine-induced leukocytopenia, which has not been well recognized in dermatological practice. We tried to see whether NUDT15 gene polymorphism can be the most susceptible genetic factor for AZA toxicity and the gene screening is beneficial to avoid the adverse events of AZA for the treatment of skin diseases. A retrospective study was carried out on 15 adult Japanese patients who were treated with AZA. Read More

Exp Dermatol 2018 Nov 12;27(11):1237-1244. Epub 2018 Sep 12.

Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

DECORIN is a prototypical member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family that plays important roles in numerous biological processes and cellular biological pathways. We previously showed that Decorin expression was highly enhanced in mouse dorsal hair follicles (HFs) during the anagen phase and was reduced during the catagen and telogen phases, suggesting that Decorin might modulate follicular cycling and morphogenesis. In this study, to further clarify the effects of DECORIN on hair cells and the cycling transition, an in vitro overexpression strategy and Decorin-null (Dcn ) mice were used to investigate the effects of DECORIN on outer root sheath (ORS) keratinocytes. Read More

Dermatol Surg 2018 10;44(10):1295-1303

Department of Pediatrics, Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.

Background: A new treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a 1,550-nm erbium-glass (Er:Glass) fractional laser. The wound healing process associated with this treatment is believed to be due to the stimulation of hair regrowth. Both the Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) proteins and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are important molecules that promote new hair growth. Read More

Dermatology 2018 9;234(3-4):137-147. Epub 2018 Aug 9.

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.

Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and alopecia areata (AA) are common causes of alopecia which can sometimes be difficult to differentiate clinically. Horizontal sections of scalp biopsies are used to study non-cicatricial alopecias due to the ability to perform both quantitative and morphometric analysis of hair follicles on them.

Methods: It was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted to assess the utility of horizontal sections to differentiate between the alopecias. Read More

Int J Dermatol 2018 Oct 23;57(10):1253-1258. Epub 2018 Jul 23.

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Haydarpaşa Numune Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, İstanbul, Turkey.

Pregnancy causes some physiological skin changes, such as hyperpigmentation and striae gravidarum. Thickening of scalp hair and a prolonged anagen phase are also known to occur during pregnancy. However, a limited number of studies have been conducted on the effect of pregnancy on the nails. Read More

Exp Dermatol 2018 Jul 22. Epub 2018 Jul 22.

Departments of Dermatology and Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The uppermost aspect of the hair follicle, known as the infundibulum or hair canal, provides a passageway for hair shaft egress and sebum secretion. Recent studies have indicated that the infundibulum and sebaceous ducts are lined by molecularly distinct differentiated cells expressing markers including Keratin 79 and Gata6. Here, we ablated Gata6 from the skin and observed dilation of both the hair canal and sebaceous ducts, independent of gender and hair cycle stage. Read More

Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat 2018 Jun;27(2):51-57

R&D Center, Sancaktepe, Biota Laboratories, Istanbul, Turkey.

Introduction: Currently there are only a limited number of drugs available for treatment of androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. However, certain plants and their standardized extracts may provide some clinical benefits against hair loss. We formulated a herbal shampoo and a solution to evaluate their efficacy, safety, and synergy in hair loss. Read More

Anat Sci Int 2018 Jun 22. Epub 2018 Jun 22.

Comparative Histolab Padova, Dipartimento di Biologia, Università di Bologna, via Selmi 3, 40126, Bologna, Italy.

The molting cycle of feathers includes an anagen (growth) stage, a likely catagen stage where the feather follicles degenerate, and a resting stage where fully grown feathers remain in their follicles and are functional before molting. However, the cytological changes involved in the resting and molting stages are poorly known, so the results of an ultrastructural analysis of these processes in adult chick feathers are presented here. The study showed that the dermal papilla shrinks, and numerous cells present increased heterochromatin and free collagen fibrils in the extracellular matrix. Read More

Endocr Rev 2018 10;39(5):676-700

INSERM UMR 1048, Institute of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (I2MC), University of Toulouse Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France.

Noonan syndrome [NS; Mendelian Inheritance in Men (MIM) #163950] and related syndromes [Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (formerly called LEOPARD syndrome; MIM #151100), Noonan-like syndrome with loose anagen hair (MIM #607721), Costello syndrome (MIM #218040), cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome (MIM #115150), type I neurofibromatosis (MIM #162200), and Legius syndrome (MIM #611431)] are a group of related genetic disorders associated with distinctive facial features, cardiopathies, growth and skeletal abnormalities, developmental delay/mental retardation, and tumor predisposition. NS was clinically described more than 50 years ago, and disease genes have been identified throughout the last 3 decades, providing a molecular basis to better understand their physiopathology and identify targets for therapeutic strategies. Most of these genes encode proteins belonging to or regulating the so-called RAS/MAPK signaling pathway, so these syndromes have been gathered under the name RASopathies. Read More

Funct Integr Genomics 2018 Nov 18;18(6):701-707. Epub 2018 Jun 18.

College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130062, China.

In order to improve the production and quality of Chinese cashmere, the research of hair follicle development has aroused more and more attention; the regulation mechanism of miRNA in hair follicle development has become a hot spot. A survey of transcriptome profiling screened 10 hair follicle-related miRNAs that were differentially expressed, including miR-let7a. In this study, the expression of miR-let7a was lower in anagen of hair follicle of cashmere goats than that in catagen of hair follicle of cashmere goats (p < 0. Read More

Arch Dermatol Res 2018 Jun 16. Epub 2018 Jun 16.

Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.

Recently, VEGFR-2 has been detected not only in vascular and lymphatic endothelial cells but also in some non-vascular endothelial cells, particularly human hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. In addition, VEGFR-2 has been confirmed to play direct roles in hair follicle keratinocyte regulation beyond simply angiogenesis. To elucidate whether VEGFR-2 activation plays a role in hair follicle cycling regulation, immunofluorescence of VEGFR-2 expression was performed during hair cycling of the dorsum of the mouse induced by hair plucking. Read More

J Cosmet Dermatol 2018 Jun 14. Epub 2018 Jun 14.

Centro Dermatológico Estético, Alicante, Spain.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and autologous protein-based treatments have recently emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for hair loss-related disorders including androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata. The safety and efficacy of repeated intradermal injections of PRP has proved to promote hair growth in a number of randomized clinical trials. Biologically active proteins and cytokines released upon platelet activation have shown to induce folliculogenesis and activate the anagen growing phase of dormant bulbs. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2018 ;1054:109-154

AgResearch Ltd., Lincoln, New Zealand.

The growth of hairs occurs during the anagen phase of the follicle cycle. Hair growth begins with basement membrane-bound stem cells (mother cells) around the dermal papilla neck which continuously bud off daughter cells which further divide as a transient amplifying population. Division ceases as cell line differentiation begins, which entails changes in cell junctions, cell shape and position, and cell-line specific cytoplasmic expression of keratin and trichohyalin. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2018 ;1054:97-108

AgResearch Ltd., Lincoln, New Zealand.

Hair follicles are part of the skin. Almost universally, follicles are described as an epithelium-derived tubular down growth into the skin's dermis. Because follicles are complex structures, especially when in anagen phase and configured to actively grow fibres, it is easy to forget that they are part of a crowded environment within the skin. Read More

Adv Exp Med Biol 2018 ;1054:89-96

AgResearch Ltd., Lincoln, New Zealand.

The anagen phase of the hair follicle cycle is when the follicle is configured to grow hair. In short hairs (e.g. Read More