Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway for Developing Therapies for Hair Loss.

Bu Young Choi

doi:10.3390/ijms21144915

Abstract

Persistent hair loss is a major cause of psychological distress and compromised quality of life in millions of people worldwide. Remarkable progress has been made in understanding the molecular basis of hair loss and identifying valid intracellular targets for designing effective therapies for hair loss treatment. Whereas a variety of growth factors and signaling pathways have been implicated in hair cycling process, the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a central role in hair follicle regeneration. Several plant-derived chemicals have been reported to promote hair growth by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in various in vitro and in vivo studies. This mini-review sheds light on the role of Wnt/β-catenin in promoting hair growth and the current progress in designing hair loss therapies by targeting this signaling pathway.

Highlights

Hair loss is characterized by either the loss of hair density or hair thinning, or both, and it may result from both hormonal and non-hormonal causes
The loss of hair caused by the excess responsiveness of testosterone and its active metabolite dihydrotestosterone is known as androgenic alopecia, which has been extensively investigated for the understanding of its pathophysiology and designing therapies for hair growth promotion
This study reported that skin-specific overexpression of Dickkopf 1 (DKK1) leads to an early and complete block in the development of skin appendages including all types of hair follicles, suggesting the essential roles of WNT proteins in follicle development

Summary

Introduction

Hair loss is characterized by either the loss of hair density or hair thinning, or both, and it may result from both hormonal and non-hormonal causes. Irrespective of its etiology and type, the emotional stress caused by hair loss affects the quality of life of the afflicted people For both male and female, scalp hair possesses an aesthetic value Progressive hair loss leading to terminal baldness is considered by an individual as a disgraceful condition and is a critical issue for social stigma, psychological distress, and often an indication of certain pathological conditions. Several lines of therapeutic modalities are currently available to promote hair re-growth or to prevent hair loss These include the use of 2% or 5% topical minoxidil for androgenic alopecia and anagen effluvium; triamcinolone acetonide for alopecia areata; and antifungal agents (e.g., itraconazole, griseofulvin, or fluconazole) for tinea capitis. This review sheds light on the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hair regeneration and the current research in developing therapy for hair loss by targeting this signaling pathway

Hair Morphogenesis and Cycling

Experimental Findings

Conclusions