SCUBE3 Molecule Identified as Key to Stimulating Hair Growth
Author: University of California, Irvine
Published: 2022/07/04 - Updated: 2025/05/16
Publication Details: Peer-Reviewed, Research, Study, Analysis
Category Topic: Hair and Scalp - Academic Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This research, published in the peer-reviewed journal Developmental Cell, details a breakthrough discovery by University of California, Irvine scientists, revealing that the SCUBE3 signaling molecule, naturally produced by dermal papilla cells, potently stimulates hair growth by activating hair stem cells. The study demonstrated that microinjection of SCUBE3 into mouse skin containing transplanted human hair follicles induced new hair growth, providing compelling proof-of-principle for its therapeutic potential in treating androgenetic alopecia-a common form of hair loss affecting both men and women.
This finding is particularly authoritative and valuable as it not only elucidates a previously unknown mechanism of hair follicle activation but also introduces a promising, naturally derived candidate for next-generation hair loss therapies, which could benefit a wide range of individuals, including seniors and people with disabilities who may be disproportionately affected by hair loss. The research is further strengthened by its international collaboration and robust funding from prominent scientific organizations - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
University of California, Irvine-led researchers have discovered that a signaling molecule called SCUBE3 potently stimulates hair growth and may offer therapeutic treatment for androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss in both women and men.
Main Content
The study, published online in Developmental Cell, determined the precise mechanism by which the dermal papilla cells - specialized signal-making fibroblasts at the bottom of each hair follicle - promote new growth. Although it's well known that dermal papilla cells play a pivotal role in controlling hair growth, the genetic basis of the activating molecules involved have been poorly understood.
"At different times during the hair follicle life cycle, the very same dermal papilla cells can send signals that either keep follicles dormant or trigger new hair growth," said Maksim Plikus, Ph.D., UCI professor of developmental & cell biology and the study's corresponding author. "We revealed that the SCUBE3 signaling molecule, which dermal papilla cells produce naturally, is the messenger used to 'tell' the neighboring hair stem cells to start dividing, which heralds the onset of new hair growth."
The production of activating molecules by the dermal papilla cells is critical for efficient hair growth in mice and humans. In people with androgenetic alopecia, dermal papilla cells malfunction, greatly reducing the normally abundant activating molecules.
A mouse model with hyperactivated dermal papilla cells and excessive hair, which will facilitate more discoveries about hair growth regulation, was developed for this research.
"Studying this mouse model permitted us to identify SCUBE3 as the previously unknown signaling molecule that can drive excessive hair growth," said co-first author Yingzi Liu, a UCI postdoctoral researcher in developmental & cell biology.
Further tests validated that SCUBE3 activates hair growth in human follicles. Researchers microinjected SCUBE3 into mouse skin in which human scalp follicles had been transplanted, inducing new growth in both the dormant human and surrounding mouse follicles.
"These experiments provide proof-of-principle data that SCUBE3 or derived molecules can be a promising therapeutic for hair loss," said co-first author Christian Guerrero-Juarez, a UCI postdoctoral researcher in mathematics.
Currently, there are two medications on the market - finasteride and minoxidil - approved by the Food and Drug Administration for androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride is only approved for use in men. Both drugs are not universally effective and must be taken daily to maintain their clinical effect.
"There is a strong need for new, effective hair loss medicines, and naturally occurring compounds that are normally used by the dermal papilla cells present ideal next-generation candidates for treatment," Plikus said. "Our test in the human hair transplant model validates the preclinical potential of SCUBE3."
UCI has filed a provisional patent application for using SCUBE3 and its related molecular compounds for hair growth stimulation. Further research will be conducted in the Plikus lab, and at Amplifica Holdings Group Inc., a biotechnology company co-founded by Plikus.
Study References:
The study team included health professionals and academics from UCI, San Diego, China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
This work was supported by LEO Foundation grants LF-AW-RAM-19-400008 and LF-OC-20-000611; Chan Zuckerberg Initiative grant AN-0000000062; W.M. Keck Foundation grant WMKF-5634988; National Science Foundation grants DMS1951144 and DMS1763272; National Institutes of Health grants U01-AR073159, R01-AR079470, R01-AR079150, R21-AR078939, and P30-AR075047; Simons Foundation grant 594598; the National Natural Science Foundation of China; the NNSFC's Major Research Plan training program; and Taiwan's Ministry of Science and Technology.
JOURNAL: Developmental Cell
FUNDER : LEO Foundation, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, W.M. Keck Foundation, National Science Foundation, NIH/National Institutes of Health, Simons Foundation, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Training Program of the Major Research Plan of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Ministry of Science and Technology of Taiwan.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: The identification of SCUBE3 as a key signaling molecule in hair growth marks a significant advance in dermatological science and offers new hope for those living with hair loss, especially individuals for whom current treatments are ineffective or unsuitable. As the research moves toward clinical application, it holds the promise of expanding therapeutic options and improving quality of life for millions, underscoring the importance of continued investment in fundamental biomedical research. By elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying hair growth, this study opens avenues for developing targeted treatments for androgenetic alopecia - Disabled World (DW).Attribution/Source(s): This peer reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by University of California, Irvine and published on 2022/07/04, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.