Laminin-511: Hair Growth Molecule Discovered by Stanford Researchers
August 6, 2008
Basically, if you're losing your hair, it's good to be a mouse as over the years several different potential treatments for hair loss have been discovered that seem to work well on mice (such as the hedgehog molecule, which has yet to be turned into a treatment for humans).
The August 1 issue of Genes and Development published the results of a study on a molecule called Laminin-511, which, according to Stanford researcher, Jing Gao, acts as a signalling protein that essentially tells hair follicles to grow.
Genetically engineered mice without the gene for Laminin-511 were used by the researchers.
The hair follicle is a complex system as it is really a mini organ, so researchers still have a lot to learn about how it works and all of the processes involved in growing hair.
The discovery of the Laminin-511 protein is another piece of the puzzle that could take researchers a significant step closer to a better treatment for hair loss than the sparse array of existing F.D.A. approved ones, but as with any new potential treatment this could be years away.
Interestingly, the researchers believe that the molecule may also be involved in the growth of other body parts, and appendages like arms and legs.
It's not clear whether Laminin-511 is involved in the most prevalent form of hair loss in humans (Androgenetic Alopecia). Further research is required to see whether injecting the protein under the skin will cause hair to grow.
Return to News and Interviews.
|