During an experiment, Spanish researchers discovered the role of certain cells in hair growth.
Great discoveries are often the result of accidents. And the smaller ones too. At the Spanish Cancer Research Center, researchers have experienced this. Their story is told in the journal PLOS Biology.
Thickened fur
Dr Mirna Perez-Moreno’s team were testing anti-inflammatory drugs in mice. With surprise, they realized that the rodents’ fur was thickening abnormally. Faced with this scientific mystery, they conducted the investigation.
And have discovered the role of certain macrophage cells, cells derived from white blood cells and produced by the immune system, which activate stem cells responsible for hair growth.
Alternative to transplants
The link with anti-inflammatory drugs is not yet established. But the role of these cells in hair regrowth was until now little understood, and opens the way to new research in the field. “Our study highlights the importance of macrophages as modulators in the regeneration processes of the skin, going beyond their primary function as phagocytic immune cells”, comments Perez-Moreno on the Daily Mail website.
Researchers hope they can use stem cells to promote follicle regeneration without having to perform transplants. Indeed, hair transplants are very expensive operations.
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