In what might be another illuminating discovery on the inner-workings of hair growth, Yale University scientists have discovered that cells from the fat layer in the skin of mice contribute to the stimulation of hair follicles.
An article by ABC News quotes the lead researcher, Valerie Horsley, saying, “The fat cells are important for hair growth. If they’re not there, the hair won’t grow. We don’t know for sure if it’s a cure for baldness, but I’m hopeful that we can get human cells to do the same as the mice cells.”
Dr. Bernstein, who was interviewed for the article, called the findings, “an interesting development in understanding why millions of people go bald.”
“It’s an important step. Mice models are not necessarily applicable to humans, but this is how we start to make discoveries,” he said.
Bernstein noted that the study’s findings don’t [directly] address genetic hair loss, in which a hormone called DHT causes hair follicles to shrink.
Dr. Horsley suggested that the next round of research should focus on finding out what cells are being effected by the fat cells, and why. She said, ”It’s very exciting because we really knew nothing about the fat in the skin. I’m hoping we can extend the research.”
Read more about research into the causes and mechanisms around hair loss in posts assigned to the tag “Stem Cells.”
Read the original article at ABCNews.com
Posted by
