The dyed part of the hair follicle. Credit: Ganimedes/CC BY SA 3
Deletion of the gene encoding the cytoplasmic adapter protein Disabled 2 (Dab2) disrupts normal hair growth in mice.
Dab2 controls self-renewal of hair follicle stem cells. These help regenerate hair follicles, which are tubular structures in the top two layers of skin that are necessary for hair growth.
Researchers at the Tata Memorial Center in Mumbai say Dab2 could be a new target for treating age-related hair loss in humans.
Dab2 is elevated in hair follicle stem cells, but its specific role has not been studied. To investigate this, the scientists compared the stages of hair growth in two age-matched groups of female mice, one with Dab2 and one without.
They found that loss of Dab2 led to a reduced proliferative capacity of the entire hair follicle and prolonged inactivation of hair follicle stem cells. It also inhibits the growth of keratinocytes, the cells that produce keratin and lipids in the outermost layer of the skin.
The results showed that deletion of Dab2 deprives hair follicle stem cells of their regenerative ability and depletes their reserve by 45%. The researchers found that even in young mice whose back hair was removed with wax, loss of Dab2 impeded hair recovery. It also accelerates the aging process of the follicles, researchers say.
