Hair Length Research Articles

Personality and Sexual Perceptions of Penises: Digital Impression Formation.

Dating app users are likely to experience a high frequency of viewing the sexually explicit material of potential partners prior to a physical meeting. The present study aimed to investigate what information is inferred from a picture of a penis at zero-acquaintance. Past research in impression formation at zero-acquaintance has demonstrated a stability with regard to personality and trait perceptions of faces. Utilizing 106 participants, our study extends this paradigm by testing the hypothesis that penis prototypicality would be associated with attractiveness, as well as explore the personality and sexual perceptions of penises along the dimensions of girth, length, and amount of pubic hair. The hypotheses were confirmed and the analysis of penis dimensions revealed strong results. Penises which were wider, longer, and moderately hairy were perceived more positively in terms of personality and sexual appeal. Shorter and narrower penises were perceived as more neurotic. The results demonstrate the function of impression formation within the digital sexual landscape with regard to sexually explicit material.

Trichome Micromorphology of Some Minuartia L. Species in Türkiye

In this study, Minuartia imbricata (M.Bieb.) Woronow, M. aizoides (Boiss.) Bornm., M. circassica (Albow) Woronow of the genus Minuartia L. belonging to the family Caryophyllaceae have been investigated according to their trichome features micromorphology. The trichomes of leaf margins, leaf surfaces, pedicels, and sepals of the three closely related species have been compared and illustrated by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Light Microscopy (LM). M. imbricata and M. aizoides were observed leaf margins as long pubescent of their leaf margins. However, M. circassica was rare puberulous. Although M. aizoides and M. circassica have glandular hairs on pedicel, M. imbricata have not got glandular hairs on pedicel. Also, the taxa have different hair lengths.

Analysis of the unevenness of the loop pile fabrics by height

In this article, an analysis of the unevenness of the loop pile fabrics, which are included in the pile tissue gap, was carried out. Fabric samples woven on the ITEMA-9500 loom were used. The organoleptic method was used as a method for determining the length of the rings, and the length of the rings was determined in laboratory conditions. Based on the analysis of the results of the experiment, it was found that the lengths of the hairs of the towel samples differed from each other, and the hair length increased from 9.5 to 10 mm on both sides of the towel samples. In addition, according to the analysis of the results, it was observed that the height of the bristles was different from the length of the loops on the front and back of the fabric, which ranged from 8 mm to 11.5 mm, which caused an unevenness of the height of the loops by 1.75 mm.

Beneficial Bacterium Azospirillum brasilense Induces Morphological, Physiological and Molecular Adaptation to Phosphorus Deficiency in Arabidopsis.

Although most cultivated soils have high levels of total phosphorus (P), the levels of bioavailable inorganic P (Pi) are insufficient. The application of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is an eco-friendly strategy for P utilization; however, PGPR-mediated plant responses that enhance Pi acquisition remain unexplored. Here, we investigated the effect of Azospirillum brasilense on Arabidopsis adaptation to Pi deficiency. Results showed that A. brasilense inoculation alleviated Pi-deficiency-induced growth inhibition and anthocyanin accumulation and increased the total P content in Arabidopsis plants. A comprehensive analysis of root morphology revealed that A. brasilense increased root hair density and length under Pi-limited conditions. We further demonstrated that A. brasilense enhanced the acid phosphatase activity and upregulated the expression of several Pi transporter genes, such as PHOSPHATE1 (PHO1), PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER 1:(PHT1:1) and PHT1;4. However, A. brasilense did not enhance the growth o total P content in pht1;1, pht1;4 and pht1;1pht1;4 mutants. Moreover, A. brasilense could not increase the P content and PHT1;1 expression in the root hairless mutant rsl4rsl2, because of the occurrence of low-Pi-induced PHT1;1 and PHT1;4 in root hairs. These results indicate that A. brasilense can promote root hair development and enhance acid phosphatase activity and Pi transporter expression levels, consequently improving the Pi absorption capacity and conferring plant tolerance to Pi deficiency.

708 Aire deficiency induces upregulation of JAK-STAT signaling in keratinocytes and results in alopecia areata-like lesions in mice

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune hair loss disorder with no cure. We report here that C57BL/6J female mice with germline deficiency in autoimmune regulator (Aire-/-) spontaneously developed AA-like lesions (n=61/98; 62%). Aire-/- lesions exhibited AA hallmarks such as miniaturized hair follicles (HFs), decreased hair width (-29%, p<0.0173) and length (-27%, p=0.0002), and increased lymphocytic infiltrate at the hair bulb (+191% in CD8+ T cells, p=0.0546) relative to body site matched Aire+/+ tissue.

723 DNA dioxygenases Tet2/3 regulate gene promoter accessibility and three-dimensional chromatin topology in lineage-specific loci to control hair growth

Lineage-specific and functionally-related genes frequently form conserved clusters or loci in the mammalian genomes. Execution of lineage-specific differentiation programs requires tight coordination between many regulators including Ten-eleven translocation (TET) family enzymes catalyzing DNA oxidation. However, the role of Tet genes in the control of cell differentiation at the levels of lineage-specific gene loci is unknown. Epithelial keratin genes are organized in the genome into two distinct (Keratin type I and II) loci on mouse chromosomes 11 and 15. Here, by using Keratin 14-driven ablation of Tet genes in skin epithelial cells, we demonstrate that Tet enzymes play essential roles in the control of gene expression in Keratin type I/II gene loci and execution of hair-specific differentiation program. Mice with Keratin 14-driven ablation of Tet2/Tet3 or all three Tet genes exhibit marked alterations of hair shape and length followed by hair loss. We show that through DNA demethylation, Tet2 and Tet3 control chromatin accessibility, Dlx3 binding and promoter activity of the Krt25 and Krt28 genes regulating hair shape, as well as regulate interactions between the Krt28 gene promoter and distal enhancer. However, Tet2/3 also control three-dimensional chromatin topology in Keratin type I/II gene loci via catalytic activity-independent mechanisms. These data demonstrate for the first time the essential roles for Tet2/3 in establishment of lineage-specific gene expression program and control of Dlx3/Krt25/Krt28 axis in hair follicle epithelial cells and implicate modulation of DNA methylation as a novel approach for hair growth control.

Assessment of hair and cashmere properties and their genetic background of several goat breeds in Southwest China

The aim of this study was to determine the properties and quality characteristics of hair and cashmere fibres of three goat breeds raised in Southwest China, namely; Dazu black goat (DBG, n = 203; ♂99, ♀104), Inner Mongolia cashmere goat (IMCG, n = 65; 21♂, 44♀) and their first cross (F1, n = 79; 39♂, 40♀). Totals of 5219, 2130 and 2981 fibre samples, from the three breeds respectively, were taken prior to shearing at 32.5 ± 01.25 months of age from four body sites; shoulder, side-portion, abdomen and leg. Breed effect was significant (P < 0.01) for most hair and cashmere properties. IMCG and F1 hair lengths were longer (P < 0.001) with less variable lengths than DBG. Shoulder hair diameters of the three breeds were not different (P > 0.05) but biggest of the side-portion and abdomen sites of DBG were bigger (P > 0.01), however, the biggest (P < 0.001) hair diameter was recorded for the leg site of F1 and the smallest (P > 0.01) for IMCG. IMCG recorded the longest value for cashmere lengths followed by DBG, while F1 recorded the lowest (P = 0.001), whilst F1 recorded the biggest (P = 0.001) diameter whereas no differences existed between parents' breeds. The cortical cell lengths of IMCG and DBG were 94.57 and 86.85 μm without significant difference detected between breeds. Differences between hair length and diameter for body sites of the studied goat breeds were significant (P < 0.01) but between whiteness, cashmere diameter and diameter of cortical cells were not. Sex had no significant effect on all hair/cashmere properties. Quality characteristics of cashmere fibres from IMCG and F1 were better (P < 0.001) than from DBG. Leg hair diameter, curl recovery rate and cashmere diameter were superior in the crossbred F1 compared to pure breed parents, and DBG was superior to IMCG for fibre elasticity and intensity traits. FGF-5 gene was detected as a candidate gene for hair and cashmere traits in IMCG breed. Whilst, KIT gene was found to be associated with coat colour in the studied breeds. Extra investigations to examine more cashmere goat breeds and crosses are needed to discover genetic variability in cashmere production locally and worldwide.

GhBZR3 suppresses cotton fiber elongation by inhibiting very-long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis.

SUMMARYThe BRASSINAZOLE‐RESISTANT (BZR) transcription factor is a core component of brassinosteroid (BR) signaling and is involved in the development of many plant species. BR is essential for the initiation and elongation of cotton fibers. However, the mechanism of BR‐regulating fiber development and the function of BZR is poorly understood in Gossypium hirsutum L. (cotton). Here, we identified a BZR family transcription factor protein referred to as GhBZR3 in cotton. Overexpression of GhBZR3 in Arabidopsis caused shorter root hair length, hypocotyl length, and hypocotyl cell length, indicating that GhBZR3 negatively regulates cell elongation. Pathway enrichment analysis from VIGS‐GhBZR3 cotton plants found that fatty acid metabolism and degradation might be the regulatory pathway that is primarily controlled by GhBZR3. Silencing GhBZR3 expression in cotton resulted in taller plant height as well as longer fibers. The very‐long‐chain fatty acid (VLCFA) content was also significantly increased in silenced GhBZR3 plants compared with the wild type. The GhKCS13 promoter, a key gene for VLCFA biosynthesis, contains two GhBZR3 binding sites. The results of yeast one‐hybrid, electrophoretic mobility shift, and luciferase assays revealed that GhBZR3 directly interacted with the GhKCS13 promoter to suppress gene expression. Taken together, these results indicate that GhBZR3 negatively regulates cotton fiber development by reducing VLCFA biosynthesis. This study not only deepens our understanding of GhBZR3 function in cotton fiber development, but also highlights the potential of improving cotton fiber length and plant growth using GhBZR3 and its related genes in future cotton breeding programs.

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria can significantly contribute to enhance P availability from polyphosphates and their use efficiency in wheat

Rhizosphere microbes significantly enhance phosphorus (P) availability from a variety of unavailable P pools in agricultural soils. However, little is known about the contribution of root-associated microorganisms, notably P solubilizing bacteria (PSB), to enhance the use of polyphosphate (PolyP) fertilizers as well as the key mechanisms involved. This study assesses the ability of four PSB (Bacillus siamensis, Rahnella aceris, Pantoea hericii, Bacillus paramycoides) and their consortium (Cs) to enhance the release rate of available P from two types of PolyP (“PolyB” and “PolyC”) with a focus on the key role of phosphatase enzyme activities and organic acids production. Wheat growth performance and P acquisition efficiency were evaluated in response to co-application of PSB and PolyP. Results showed that inoculation with PSB, notably Cs, significantly enhanced available P from PolyC, PolyB and tri-calcium P. Increased available P in response to inoculation with PSB significantly correlated with medium acidification, organic acids production (notably glycolic acid) and induced activities of acid phosphatase and pyrophosphatase. In planta, the co-application of PSB-PolyP improved wheat plant biomass, root growth and P acquisition, with best results obtained from Cs-PolyP co-application as compared to uninoculated and unfertilized plants. At seedling stage, the co-application of Cs-PolyP (PolyB and PolyC) enhanced root hairs length (125 % and 131 %), root length (26 % and 37 %) and root inorganic P (Pi) content (160 % and 182 %), respectively compared to uninoculated plants. Similarly, at tillering stage, plant biomass (35 % and 47 %), Pi content (43 % and 253 %), P translocation (215 % and 315 %) and soil phosphatases (213 % and 219 %) significantly improved under PolyB and PolyC application, respectively. Findings from this study demonstrate the key role of PSB to enhance the use of PolyP through production of organic acids and phosphatases, exhibiting differential traits patterns between the two PolyP. Improved wheat growth and root P acquisition in response to PSB-PolyP co-application can be attributed to induced rhizosphere processes leading to enhanced available P taken up by roots.

Impact of root hairs on microscale soil physical properties in the field

AimsRecent laboratory studies revealed that root hairs may alter soil physical behaviour, influencing soil porosity and water retention on the small scale. However, the results are not consistent, and it is not known if structural changes at the small-scale have impacts at larger scales. Therefore, we evaluated the potential effects of root hairs on soil hydro-mechanical properties in the field using rhizosphere-scale physical measurements.MethodsChanges in soil water retention properties as well as mechanical and hydraulic characteristics were monitored in both silt loam and sandy loam soils. Measurements were taken from plant establishment to harvesting in field trials, comparing three barley genotypes representing distinct phenotypic categories in relation to root hair length. Soil hardness and elasticity were measured using a 3-mm-diameter spherical indenter, while water sorptivity and repellency were measured using a miniaturized infiltrometer with a 0.4-mm tip radius.ResultsOver the growing season, plants induced changes in the soil water retention properties, with the plant available water increasing by 21%. Both soil hardness (P = 0.031) and elasticity (P = 0.048) decreased significantly in the presence of root hairs in silt loam soil, by 50% and 36%, respectively. Root hairs also led to significantly smaller water repellency (P = 0.007) in sandy loam soil vegetated with the hairy genotype (-49%) compared to the hairless mutant.ConclusionsBreeding of cash crops for improved soil conditions could be achieved by selecting root phenotypes that ameliorate soil physical properties and therefore contribute to increased soil health.

Identification of the Key Genes Associated with Different Hair Types in the Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goat.

Simple SummaryThe Inner Mongolia cashmere goat is an excellent local breed in China. According to the characteristics of wool quilts, the Inner Mongolia cashmere goat can be divided into three types: a long-hair type (hair length of >22 cm), a short-hair type (hair length of ≤13 cm), and an intermediate type (hair length of >13 cm and ≤22 cm). In order to explore the molecular mechanisms and related regulatory genes of the different hair types, a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was carried out on the gene expression and phenotypic data of 12-month-old Inner Mongolia cashmere goats of the long-hair (LHG) and a short-hair type (SHG). There is a strong correlation between one module and different hair types. The expression trends of this module’s genes were different between the LHG and SHG. The function of GO is mainly concentrated in cellular components, including intermediate filaments, intermediate filament cytoskeletons, and cytoskeletons. KRT39, KRT74, LOC100861184, LOC102177231, LOC102178767, LOC102179881, LOC106503203, LOC108638293, and LOC108638298 were significantly different between the two hair types, and most of them were positively correlated with hair length. It is speculated that these candidate genes can regulate different hair types of cashmere goats and provide molecular markers for the hair growth of cashmere goats.The Inner Mongolia cashmere goat is an excellent local breed in China. According to the characteristics of wool quilts, the Inner Mongolia cashmere goat can be divided into three types: a long-hair type (hair length of >22 cm), a short-hair type (hair length of ≤13 cm), and an intermediate type (hair length of >13 cm and ≤22 cm). It is found that hair length has a certain reference value for the indirect selection of other important economic traits of cashmere. In order to explore the molecular mechanisms and related regulatory genes of the different hair types, a weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was carried out on the gene expression data and phenotypic data of 12-month-old Inner Mongolia cashmere goats with a long-hair type (LHG) and a short-hair type (SHG) to explore the coexpression modules related to different coat types and nine candidate genes, and detect the relative expression of key candidate genes. The results showed that the WGCNA divided these genes into 19 coexpression modules and found that there was a strong correlation between one module and different hair types. The expression trends of this module’s genes were different in the two hair types, with high expression in the LHG and low expression in the SHG. GO functions are mainly concentrated in cellular components, including intermediate filaments (GO:0005882), intermediate filament cytoskeletons (GO:0045111), and cytoskeletal parts (GO:0044430). The KEGG pathway is mainly enriched in arginine as well as proline metabolism (chx00330) and the MAPK signaling pathway (chx04010). The candidate genes of the different hair types, including the KRT39, KRT74, LOC100861184, LOC102177231, LOC102178767, LOC102179881, LOC106503203, LOC108638293, and LOC108638298 genes, were screened. Through qRT-PCR, it was found that there were significant differences in these candidate genes between the two hair types, and most of them had a significant positive correlation with hair length. It was preliminarily inferred that these candidate genes could regulate the different hair types of cashmere goats and provide molecular markers for hair growth.

CXCL12 inhibits hair growth through CXCR4.

CXCL12 and its receptors, which are highly expressed in the skin, are associated with various cutaneous diseases, including androgenic alopecia. However, their expression and role during the hair cycle are unknown. This study aims to investigate the expression of CXCL12 and its receptor, CXCR4, in the vicinity of hair follicles and their effect on hair growth. CXCL12 was highly expressed in dermal fibroblasts (DFs) and its level was elevated throughout the catagen and telogen phases of the hair cycle. CXCR4 is expressed in the dermal papilla (DP) and outer root sheath (ORS). In hair organ culture, hair loss was induced by recombinant CXCL12 therapy, which delayed the telogen-to-anagen transition and decreased hair length. In contrast, the suppression of CXCL12 using a neutralizing antibody and siRNA triggered the telogen-to-anagen transition and increased hair length in hair organ culture. Neutralization of CXCR7, one of the two receptors for CXCL12, only slightly affected hair growth. However, inhibition of CXCR4, the other receptor for CXCL12, increased hair growth to a considerable extent. In addition, in hair organ culture, the conditioned medium from DFs with CXCL12 siRNA considerably increased the hair length and induced proliferation of DP and ORS cells. CXCL12, through CXCR4 activation, increased STAT3 and STAT5 phosphorylation in DP and ORS cells. In contrast, blocking CXCL12 and CXCR4 decreased the phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT5. In summary, these findings suggest that CXCL12 inhibits hair growth via the CXCR4/STAT signaling pathway and that CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway inhibitors are a promising treatment option for hair growth.

Micro-morphological diversity of rice (Oryza sativa L.) as seen under foldscope

Rice being the global grain, its genetic diversity is essential to support farmers' adaptation to climate change for sustainable production. Genetic variability analysis is essential to identify the diverse genotypes and to use them in hybridization programs. Although several advanced molecular techniques are now being used to characterize plants, morphological characterization is always preferred owing to their ease of detection. However, not all morphological traits can be observed through naked eyes. Observing micro-morphological variations requires the help of specialized optical instruments. "Foldscope" is a simple and portable optical instrument, which offers a great opportunity to exploit micro-morphological variations in crop plants. Hence, the current study was aimed at the micro-morphological characterization of rice crop using a foldscope. A total of 24 elite rice genotypes including checks were evaluated using Randomized Complete Block Design during Kharif 2018 at Agricultural Research Station Gangavati, to explore their genetic diversity. Five often neglected micro-morphological traits but associated with the traits of economic importance were recorded using 'foldscope' to assess the variability existing among the selected genotypes. The analysis of variance revealed substantial variations across all genotypes for all the characteristics investigated. The traits viz., length of leaf serrations, length of hairs on the lemma, and root hair length exhibited higher GCV, PCV, heritability, and GAM most likely because of additive gene effects. So, selection for these traits may be effective. The study also showed that foldscope can be effectively used in agriculture to study micro-morphological diversity between crop genotypes.

Low-dose oral minoxidil for treatment of androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium in a pediatric population: A descriptive study

Low-dose oral minoxidil for treatment of androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium in a pediatric population: A descriptive study

THE RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF THE PASSAGE OF LIGHT ENERGY UNDER THE SKIN OF ANIMALS ALONG INDIVIDUAL HAIRS

This paper presents new scientific results of experimental studies that refute the generally accepted fact that the coat solely protects animals from the effects of solar energy. The purpose of this study was to confirm the fact of the spread of optical radiation energy under the animal’s skin along individual hairs, as light guides. The authors of this study experimentally determined the optically conductive structure of an individual wool hair, the components of the transmission parameter of an individual wool hair, namely the coefficient of light transmission inside the wool hair, the coefficient of attenuation of internal light transmission by the substance of the wool hair, the coefficient of losses in the middle of the cylinder of the wool hair due to the beam scattered in the internal structure and the refractive index of its outer shell. Based on the use of methods of photometry and geometric optics, theoretically substantiated and experimentally obtained results regarding the establishment of a mathematical dependence of the total amount of optical radiation energy entering the hair cylinder on the value of the angle of incidence of the beam on the surface of the hair, the cleanliness of the inner core of the cylinder structure, the length of the light-conducting section to the surface of the skin, as well as the refractive index of its outer shell. Based on the results of experimental studies, mathematical dependencies were obtained that describe the spectral light-conducting properties of an individual hair, as well as the distribution of energy emitted in the thickness of the skin along the entire length from the point of penetration into the hair and to the follicle – the place of use of optical energy in photobiological processes. The obtained results of experimental studies of the passage of optical radiation energy along the length of a single hair into the body of an animal are of practical importance for photobiologists investigating the effect of optical radiation from the Sun on biological objects of animal origin.

Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Increase Cytokines in Human Hair Follicles through Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling.

Hair loss is a chronic disorder that affects many people; however, a complete treatment has not yet been developed. Therefore, new therapeutic agents for preventing hair loss must be developed, and electromagnetic field (EMF) therapy has been proven to be a promising medical treatment in various fields, including hair loss treatment. This study evaluated the effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) intensity and exposure time by analyzing the expression of cytokines and anagen-related molecules, which influence hair activation and growth, in hair bulb spheroid (HBS) and hair follicle (HF) organ cultures. ELF-EMFs did not induce toxicity in the HBSs, as verified via the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Moreover, an ELF-EMF intensity of 5–20 G promoted the expression of ALP, versican, β-catenin, and several cytokines (VEGF, PDGF, FGF-10, and ET-1) in HBSs. Immunohistochemical staining showed that ELF-EMF at an intensity of 5–20 G upregulated ALP and β-catenin and decreased TUNEL staining in HBS. Moreover, HFs exposed to ELF-EMF for 60 min exhibited an increase in hair length and a 1.5-fold increase in IL-4, ICAM-1, ALP, and versican mRNA expression compared to the control. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that 60 min of ELF-EMF can increase the expression of ALP and β-catenin and decreases TUNEL staining in organ cultures. Collectively, our results demonstrated that ELF-EMF exposure at a 10 G intensity for 60 min promoted hair shaft growth in HFs due to the effect of cytokines and adhesion molecules via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Therefore, ELF-EMF is a promising treatment for hair loss.

The psychologic impact of loose anagen syndrome and short anagen syndrome.

Loose anagen syndrome (LAS) and short anagen syndrome (SAS) are congenital hair disorders presenting with reduced hair length with or without hair thinning. We conducted a non‐validated online questionnaire of self‐identified familial participants in a Facebook support group to assess psychologic symptoms, including anxiety, depression, low self‐esteem, sadness, insecurity, worry, frustration, and body dysmorphia, in patients and their caregivers. Of 163 total respondents, negative psychologic symptoms were reported in 44.2% (38/89) of LAS patients, 48.3% (43/89) of LAS caregivers, 56.8% (42/74) of SAS patients, and 47.2% (35/74) of SAS caregivers. Our data indicate that both LAS and SAS have strong psychologic, emotional, and social impacts on affected children and their caregivers.

Cadmium enhances root hair elongation through reactive oxygen species in Arabidopsis

We previously reported that Arabidopsis shows enhanced root hair density and length in response to cadmium (Cd). To understand how Cd stimulates root hair elongation, we examined the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and root hair elongation-related genes in root hair elongation/tip growth. In response to Cd, Arabidopsis displayed enhanced length and ROS levels in the root hairs, indicating ROS involvement. Furthermore, in response to Cd, ROS generation mutants, including root hair defective 2 ( rhd2/rbohc ), rbohh , rbohj , per1 , per44 and per73, which have shorter root hairs because of impaired ROS generation, also showed increased root hair length and ROS levels, suggesting the involvement of these genes in ROS production in Cd-induced root hair elongation. Supporting the participation of ROS, N-acetyl- L -cysteine (ROS scavenger) treatment reduced root hair elongation and ROS levels. Additionally, the expression of proline-rich extension-like receptor kinase (PERK)5 , PERK8, and root hair-specific 10 ( RHS10 ) , which are negative regulators of root hair elongation, was reduced by Cd and ROS (H 2 O 2 ). Furthermore, the expression of expansin A7 ( EXPA7 ) and expansin A18 ( EXPA18 ), which are involved in root hair elongation, was remarkably induced by Cd and H 2 O 2 in elongating root hairs and tips. Additionally, COBL9 , which is involved in cell wall formation, was highly expressed in root hairs and tips in response to Cd and H 2 O 2 . Furthermore, changes in auxin and ethylene levels showed a similar pattern to that of root hair elongation and ROS at various concentrations of Cd, suggesting the involvement of auxin and ethylene in Cd/ROS-induced root hair elongation. Combined, it appears that Cd enhances root hair elongation/tip growth by elevating the expression of EXPA7 , EXPA18 and COBL9 and by inhibiting the expression of PERK5 , PERK8, and RHS10 , which are ROS-mediated in Arabidopsis. Change of root hair elongation, ROS, auxin and ethylene at various concentrations of Cd in Col-0 Arabidopsis • Cd promotes root hair elongation by enhancing ROS level in Arabidopsis. • RBOHC, RBOHH, RBOHJ, PER1, PER44, and PER73 participate in Cd-induced ROS generation. • Auxin and ethylene may be involved in Cd-enhanced ROS and root hair elongation. • Cd-induced ROS elevates expressions of EXPA7 , EXPA18 and COBL9 . • Cd-enhanced ROS inhibits expressions of PERK5 , PERK8, and RHS10 .

Melatonin alleviates cadmium toxicity and abiotic stress by promoting glandular trichome development and antioxidant capacity in Nicotiana tabacum

Melatonin is a well-known signaling molecule that mediates a range of physiological activities and various stress reactions in plants. We comprehensively tested the effect of melatonin on the development of root hairs and glandular trichomes and found that melatonin pretreatment of tobacco seeds significantly increased the length of root hairs. Furthermore, melatonin-treated tobacco exhibited significantly higher density of trichomes and larger glandular heads on long-stalk glandular trichomes than untreated plants, which resulted in enhanced secretion in glandular trichomes. Exogenous melatonin enhanced the aphid resistance of plants by facilitating the accumulation of cembranoids in the glandular trichomes and alleviated cadmium toxicity by increasing the Cd-exudation capacity of long glandular trichomes. Metabolic analysis indicated that the contents of 108 metabolites significantly changed upon melatonin treatment, with the contents of those that are directly/indirectly involved in melatonin metabolism changing the most. Further, KEGG pathway analysis suggested that the metabolic pathways of amino acids, reducing sugar, secondary metabolites, indole alkaloid biosynthesis, purine, pyrimidine, and ABC transporters were greatly influenced by exogenous melatonin application. Moreover, metabolisms of melatonin-related antioxidants and pyrimidine nucleoside antibiotics were enhanced after melatonin treatment. Melatonin improved tobacco resistance to high salinity, drought, and extreme temperature stresses, as indicated by improved photosynthetic and antioxidant capacities in treated vs. untreated plants. This study lays a foundation for the comprehensive application of melatonin to increase the stress tolerance of plants.

5-Bromo-3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde Promotes Hair Growth through Activation of Wnt/β-Catenin and Autophagy Pathways and Inhibition of TGF-β Pathways in Dermal Papilla Cells.

Various studies addressing the increasing problem of hair loss, using natural products with few side effects, have been conducted. 5-bromo-3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde (BDB) exhibited anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models of atopic dermatitis and inhibited UVB-induced oxidative stress in keratinocytes. Here, we investigated its stimulating effect and the underlying mechanism of action on hair growth using rat vibrissa follicles and dermal papilla cells (DPCs), required for the regulation of hair cycle and length. BDB increased the length of hair fibers in rat vibrissa follicles and the proliferation of DPCs, along with causing changes in the levels of cell cycle-related proteins. We investigated whether BDB could trigger anagen-activating signaling pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and autophagy in DPCs. BDB induces activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through the phosphorylation of GSG3β and β-catenin. BDB increased the levels of autophagic vacuoles and autophagy regulatory proteins Atg7, Atg5, Atg16L, and LC3B. We also investigated whether BDB inhibits the TGF-β pathway, which promotes transition to the catagen phase. BDB inhibited the phosphorylation of Smad2 induced by TGF-β1. Thus, BDB can promote hair growth by modulating anagen signaling by activating Wnt/β-catenin and autophagy pathways and inhibiting the TGF-β pathway in DPCs.