Northwestern Medicine researchers have identified that the stiffness of aging hair follicle stem cells impedes hair growth. By softening these cells using the microRNA miR-205, they found an effective way to stimulate hair growth in mice. As we age, similar to stiffening joints, hair follicle stem cells become less pliable, affecting their capability to generate hair. The study, published in PNAS, demonstrated that increasing miR-205 levels in these stem cells prompted hair growth both in young and old mice within ten days. This approach stimulates existing stem cells rather than producing new ones. The next phase of research will explore whether miR-205 can be delivered topically through nanoparticles to enhance hair growth in mice, with potential applications for humans if successful. Advanced microscopy techniques were employed to assess the stiffness of the cells and track cell behavior in live models. The study was supported by various grants from the National Institutes of Health. This groundbreaking work opens the avenue for novel treatments to combat hair loss by addressing the mechanical properties of hair follicle stem cells.
