Japanese scientists have identified stem cells essential for hair regeneration, with the aim of starting clinical research to apply those cells to therapy for male pattern baldness.
According to an article published online in the British journal Scientific Reports, Takashi Tsuji, a team leader at government-affiliated research institute Riken, and colleagues set up in vitro culture systems and determined through functional analysis that stem cells are positive for antibody CD34 and integrin alpha 6 and beta 5, both adhesive proteins, play an important role in the continued regeneration of the hair, along with a glycoprotein called tenascin.
“Losing hair or teeth is not life-threatening, but it negatively impacts quality of life,” said Tsuji. “I hope to start a clinical trial soon.”
Biotechnology startup Organ Technologies Inc. had led the preparatory work for the start of the study with partners until work was suspended last fall, mainly due to the resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic.
Riken is now asking for donations and looking for partner companies to realize regenerative medicine for those who have lost their hair and teeth.
In the intended clinical trial to cure male pattern baldness, Tsuji’s team plans to grow hair follicles taken from people with the condition using a method it developed in 2007, then return the cultured cells to their heads implant.
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