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Identification of Biomarkers of Human Scalp Hair Follicle Aging
Location: 50
Mentor: Dr. Ralf Paus
Hair follicle (HF) aging is a complex biological process that contributes to the thinning, graying, and loss of scalp HFs in humans. While hair aging itself does not necessarily indicate immediate health risks, it is a widespread issue that can significantly impact one’s self-image, ultimately leading to a reduced quality of life. Understanding the process by which human scalp HFs age and identifying key biomarkers can lead to improved treatments for preventing premature hair loss and/or graying. In the present study, we aimed to examine the expression of various known biomarkers of aging, including Lamin B1, p16INK4, mTORC1 activity (as indicated by p-S6), and PGC1α, directly in human scalp HFs. To investigate hair aging, we have fresh-frozen human scalp HFs from young (<35y-o) and old (>40y-o) male and female donors. Our quantitative immunohistomorphetry analyses indicate that the expression of the nuclear lamina, Lamin B1, was significantly increased in the bulb of HFs from old donors compared to young. Furthermore, the expression of the senescent marker p16INK4, as well as the mitochondrial activity markers PGC1α and phospho-S6 Kinase (mTORC1 activity), which are also related to senescence and aging induction, was significantly upregulated in the bulbs of older donors. Our pilot data suggest that human scalp HFs may undergo premature senescence induction in the hair bulb (which contains both highly proliferative keratinocytes and pigment-producing melanocytes), leading to hair graying and subsequent hair growth inhibition. If confirmed in additional donors, our pilot data will enhance understanding of HF aging and anti-aging therapeutics.
