Scientists at Northwestern University have taken a big step forward in the fight against baldness because they may have unlocked a new way to promote hair growth.
The research, originally presented in the journal PNAS, explains that as individuals age, their hair follicles harden, inhibiting hair growth.
However, this could be reversed by softening the hair follicles, which can be done by increasing the production of RNA, miR-205 – a particle known to lessen cell stiffness.
The experiment, conducted on mice, saw scientists genetically manipulate stem cells to increase the production of miR-205, promoting hair growth in young and old mice.
Rui Yi, the study’s lead author and a professor at Northwestern’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Illinois, told SciTechDaily, “They started growing hair within 10 days. These are not new generated stem cells. We stimulate existing stem cells to grow hair.
The expert explained that manipulating cell mechanics could stimulate hair growth and said that if further tests in mice are successful, they will design experiments for its potential application in humans.
The groundbreaking study used high-tech microscopy tools such as atomic force to measure cell stiffness and two-photon microscopy to monitor cell behaviors in mice.
Experts hope the results will be replicated in humans, but urge caution about drawing parallels just yet.
Dr. Ken Williams Jr, founder of Orange County Hair Restoration in Irvine, California, said, “The challenge is that the mouse model doesn’t always translate to the same human observations. I want to temper any high expectations regarding these results. It is too early to determine the effectiveness or benefit of these studies. We hope that further research will be helpful when applying it to humans.
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Origin of message: Daily Express