Osteopontin: Scientists Discover Molecular Trigger for Hair Growth

Researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) have revealed a new molecular mechanism for stimulating hair growth. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, found that senescent pigment cells produce a signaling molecule called osteopontin, which causes normally dormant and diminutive hair follicles to activate their stem cells for robust growth of long and thick hairs.

Senescent cells are old cells that have stopped dividing. They are often found in areas of tissue damage or inflammation. In the case of hair follicles, senescent pigment cells accumulate in the bulge region, which is a reservoir of stem cells that can give rise to new hair growth.

The researchers found that osteopontin binds to a receptor on the surface of hair follicle stem cells, called CD44. This binding activates the stem cells, causing them to divide and produce new hair.

We found that senescent pigment cells produce large quantities of a specific signaling molecule called osteopontin, which causes normally dormant and diminutive hair follicles to activate their stem cells for robust growth of long and thick hairs,” said lead corresponding author Maksim Plikus, UCI professor of developmental and cell biology. “Senescent cells are typically viewed as detrimental to regeneration and are thought to drive the aging process as they accumulate in tissues throughout the body, but our research clearly shows that cellular senescence has a positive side to it.”

The study also found that osteopontin is produced by senescent pigment cells in skin nevi, which are benign moles. This suggests that osteopontin may be a promising target for new hair growth therapies.

The researchers are currently conducting further studies to investigate the role of osteopontin in hair growth. They are also working to develop new ways to deliver osteopontin to hair follicles.

The study’s findings could lead to the development of new treatments for hair loss, such as alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia. They could also help to improve the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of hair growth.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the study:

• Senescent pigment cells produce a signaling molecule called osteopontin, which stimulates hair growth.
• Osteopontin binds to a receptor on the surface of hair follicle stem cells, called CD44.
• Osteopontin is produced by senescent pigment cells in skin nevi.
• Osteopontin could be a promising target for new hair growth therapies.

The study’s findings are an important step towards the development of new treatments for hair loss. They also provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of hair growth.