Baldness research shows lab-grown hairs could follow natural growth cycles

A published study reports lab-grown hair follicles that follow the natural growth cycle in mice after researchers identified a previously unrecognized mesenchymal cell as part of the minimal stem-cell set needed for full regeneration; researchers say human treatments would be several years away.

Scientists report a lab study that produced hair follicles able to follow the natural growth cycle in mice. The work, published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, identified a previously unrecognized mesenchymal cell as part of a minimal set of stem cells needed for full follicle regeneration. Earlier attempts had produced hair-like structures that did not complete the grow-shed-regrow cycle or attach properly to skin. In the new tests, lab-grown hair seeds were implanted into mouse skin and the follicles integrated and regenerated hair. Key findings: - The study, published in Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, observed lab-grown follicles that underwent natural growth cycles in mice. - Researchers identified a third cell type, described as mesenchymal cells, which alongside epithelial stem cells and dermal papilla cells appears necessary for full follicle regeneration. - Implanted lab-grown hair seeds integrated into mouse skin and the follicles survived and regenerated hair similar to the animals' fur. - Researchers from the US and Japan were involved, and OrganTech's CEO described the work as defining a foundational cellular configuration for functional hair follicle regeneration. - The team said extending the approach to human models and potential patient treatments could take several years. Summary: The study reports that adding a mesenchymal cell type to known stem cells produced lab-grown hair follicles that behave like natural follicles in mice, including full growth cycles. Researchers say the findings point toward human models but that development toward patient treatments is likely to take several years.