While often viewed as mere blemishes, skin moles have recently been spotlighted as a potential remedy for hair loss, as highlighted in a study published in the journal Nature.
Decade-Long Research on Moles
For a decade, scientists from the University of California, Irvine have been engrossed in understanding the unique characteristics of skin moles, especially their ability to produce long hairs. Their groundbreaking findings reveal that these moles harbour specific molecules capable of promoting hair growth. Maksim Plikus, the study’s lead author and a professor at UC, Irvine, commented, “Nature has provided us with insights through these hair-bearing skin moles.”
Understanding Hair Loss
On any given day, an individual may shed between 50 to 100 hairs. Typically, these are replaced by new hairs emerging from stem cells in hair follicles. However, conditions like alopecia pose a challenge, as the stem cells remain dormant, halting new hair growth.
Osteopontin: The Hair Growth Molecule
Through mouse experiments, Plikus’s team identified osteopontin, a molecule abundant in hairy skin moles, as a potential agent to revive dormant hair follicle stem cells. Tests involved grafting human skin onto mice and administering osteopontin injections, leading to significant hair growth in the subjects. To confirm osteopontin’s role, a neutral protein was also tested, which did not induce hair growth.
Plikus emphasized the human relevance of their findings, stating that their methods and the molecules studied are directly applicable to human hair growth. Mayumi Ito, a professor not involved in the study, praised its significance, noting its applicability to human hair follicle growth.
Future of Hair Growth Treatment
Plikus envisions his research paving the way for outpatient treatments, akin to cosmetic procedures like Botox. He believes that the treatment could restore natural hair growth in individuals who have experienced baldness. “Your dormant hair follicles will awaken and produce hair reminiscent of your younger years,” Plikus explained.
Amplifica, a biotech company co-founded by Plikus, is set to advance this research into clinical trials. The company aims to test a compound delivering osteopontin to the body.
Current Hair Loss Treatments: A Brief Overview
The FDA has approved two treatments for hair loss: Propecia and Rogaine. However, neither is entirely effective. Dr. Jeremy Green, a dermatologist and consultant for Amplifica, remarked, “We have treatments, but we don’t have solutions.” He highlighted the various treatments available, from Rogaine to hair transplants. However, Amplifica’s molecular injection might be the game-changer many patients have been waiting for.
“Patients are willing to travel great distances for hair treatments. The demand is certainly high,” Green concluded.