Why Does Hair Turns Gray
Topic: Hair and Scalp
Author: NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine
Published: 2011/06/14 - Updated: 2022/03/07
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main - Related
Synopsis: A new study shows Wnt signaling between hair follicles and melanocyte stem cells can dictate hair pigmentation and turn hair gray. We have known for decades that hair follicle stem cells and pigment-producing melanocyte cells collaborate to produce colored hair, but the underlying reasons were unknown. We discovered Wnt signaling is essential for coordinated actions of these two stem cell lineages and critical for hair pigmentation. The methods behind communication between stem cells of hair and color during hair replacement may give us important clues to regenerate complex organs containing many different types of cells.
Introduction
A new study by researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center has shown that, for the first time, Wnt signaling, already known to control many biological processes, between hair follicles and melanocyte stem cells can dictate hair pigmentation - including gray hair. The study was published in the journal Cell.
Main Digest
The research was led by Mayumi Ito, PhD, assistant professor in the Ronald O. Pereleman Department of Dermatology at NYU Langone.
"We have known for decades that hair follicle stem cells and pigment-producing melanocyte cells collaborate to produce colored hair, but the underlying reasons were unknown," said Dr. Ito. "We discovered Wnt signaling is essential for coordinated actions of these two stem cell lineages and critical for hair pigmentation."
The study suggests the manipulation of Wnt signaling may be a novel strategy for targeting pigmentation such as graying hair. The research study also illustrates a model for tissue regeneration.
"The human body has many types of stem cells that have the potential to regenerate other organs," said Dr. Ito. "The methods behind communication between stem cells of hair and color during hair replacement may give us important clues to regenerate complex organs containing many different types of cells."
Using genetic mouse models, researchers were able to examine how Wnt signaling pathways enabled both hair follicle stem cells and melanocyte stem cells to work together to generate hair growth and produce hair color.
Research also showed the depletion (or inhibition or abnormal) Wnt signaling in hair follicle stem cells not only inhibits hair re-growth but also prevents melanocytes stem cell activation required for producing hair color. The lack of Wnt activation in melanocyte stem cells leads to de-pigmented or gray hair.
The study raises the possibility that Wnt signaling is a key pathway for the regulation of melanocyte stem cells and shows how melanocyte behavior is associated with hair regeneration.
This insight provides further understanding of diseases in which melanocytes are either appropriately lost such as hair graying or undergo uncontrolled cell growth as in melanoma.
Further Reading
- Possible Cure for Gray Hair and Vitiligo
- Stress Can Make Your Hair Turn Gray
- Human Hair: Facts and Information Document List
- Melancor - Gray Hair Treatment for Men and Women
Attribution/Source(s):
This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World due to its significant relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine, and published on 2011/06/14 (Edit Update: 2022/03/07), the content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity. For further details or clarifications, NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine can be contacted at med.nyu.edu. NOTE: Disabled World does not provide any warranties or endorsements related to this article.
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Cite This Page (APA): NYU Langone Medical Center / New York University School of Medicine. (2011, June 14 - Last revised: 2022, March 7). Why Does Hair Turns Gray. Disabled World. Retrieved September 18, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/health/dermatology/hair/gray-hair.php
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