In
their innovative study, the researchers observed mouse models of hair
regeneration and investigated how fast hair regrew on the subjects
treated with 2D cultured DP cells, 3D spheroid-cultured DP cells in a
keratin scaffolding, and the hair loss treatment Minoxidil. A spheroid
is a three-dimensional structure that imitates a cell's environment.
The findings showed that mice treated with the 3D spheroid-cultured DP had regained 90% of their hair in just 15 days.
"The
3D cells in a keratin scaffold performed best, as the spheroid mimics
the hair microenvironment and the keratin scaffold acts as an anchor to
keep them at the site where they are needed," said Ke Cheng, Randall B.
Terry, Jr. Distinguished Professor in Regenerative Medicine at NC
State's College of Veterinary Medicine and professor in the NC State/UNC
Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering.
"But
we were also interested in how DP cells regulate the follicle growth
process, so we looked at the exosomes, specifically, exosomal miRNAs
from that microenvironment."
Exosomes
are little sacs secreted by cells that play a crucial part in cell to
cell communication. They are comprised of miRNAs that help in regulating
gene expression. Cheng and his team measured miRNAs in exosomes
acquired from both 3D and 2D DP cells.
They
discovered that the molecular pathway responsible for creating hair
follicle growth could be encouraged. More importantly, though, they
found that increasing miR-218-5p promoted hair follicle growth while
decreasing it led to the follicles to lose function.
A hopeful step for hair regeneration?
According to the team, cell
therapy with the 3D cells could be an effective treatment for baldness.
However, one would have to grow, expand, preserve, and inject those
cells into the area. “MiRNAs, on the other hand, can be utilized in
small molecule-based drugs. So potentially you could create a cream or
lotion that has a similar effect with many fewer problems,” Cheng said.
Future studies will now focus on
using just this miRNA to promote hair growth. This is indeed a positive
and hopeful step towards proper hair regeneration that could help
millions of people. Hopefully, these future studies can expand on this
research and help develop an effective hair regrowth drug or cream.