The study, published in Nature Communications, reveals that MCL-1 protein may be essential for the proper functioning of the activated capillary follicle (HFSCs) stem cells responsible for hair growth.
A new scientific study, published in identified a protein (MCL-1) that can be important in treating certain types of baldness, such as alopecia, a disease that affects almost 2% of the world’s population at some point in life.
MCL-1 protein is essential for the proper functioning of the enabled capillary follicle (HFSCs) stem cells responsible for hair growth, researchers point out.
Tests with Rats
During the study, domestic rats were used to prove the theory. Scientists have removed MCL-1 from animal HFSCs. Then they also removed part of the hair.
The conclusion was that the absence of protein did not impact the formation of new hair follicles, but led to gradual loss of hair due to the weakening of cells, especially in adult rodents.
“These findings may have broader implications for controlling the survival of stem and progenitors in tissue regeneration and cancer expansion,” the researchers say.
The study was led by a team from Singapore, and from Australia.
Clinical research is lacking in humans
Despite the good indications, the investigation was based only on experience with domestic rats, so it is not yet possible to ensure that MCL-1 protein plays a crucial role in hair growth and hair loss prevention.
The findings of this study now need to be replicated in clinical research with humans.
