#5 Experimental Study on the Role of DHT-Induced Dickkopf 1 in Keratinocyte Apoptosis in Alopecic Hair Follicles
Mi Hee Kwack1, Young Kwan Sung1, Eun Jung Chung1, Sang Uk Im1, Ji Seop Ahn1, Moon Kyu Kim1 and Jung Chul Kim (2008) Dihydrotestosterone-Inducible Dickkopf 1 from Balding Dermal Papilla Cells Causes Apoptosis in Follicular Keratinocytes. J. Invest. Dermatol. 128, 262-269.
This paper demonstrates that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulates the production and secretion of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) by dermal papilla (DP) cells in hair follicles.
Dermal papilla cells (DPC), specialized fibroblasts located at the base of the follicle, play a central role in regulating hair growth and cycle by secreting various diffusible factors that control the proliferation and activity of surrounding cells. Researchers obtained hair papilla cells from hair follicles undergoing hair loss and treated DHT. Then performed microarray analysis to identify differentially expressed genes.DKK-1, known to inhibit a key signaling pathway (Wnt signaling), subsequently suppresses the growth of outer root sheath (ORS) keratinocytes within the follicle. These findings suggest that DKK-1 may play a role in DHT-induced hair loss. Researchers used a gene expression analysis technique to identify DKK-1, highlighting its potential as a target for future hair loss treatments.
Key Highlight:
DHT Induces DKK-1 Expression in DP Cells: The study found that treatment of DP cells with DHT significantly increased the expression of DKK-1 mRNA and protein.
DKK-1 Suppresses ORS Keratinocyte Growth: DKK-1 treatment inhibited the growth of outer root sheath (ORS) keratinocytes, cells that play a crucial role in hair follicle maintenance.
Elevated DKK-1 Levels in Alopecic Scalp: DKK-1 expression was markedly higher in the balding scalp of patients with androgenetic alopecia compared to non-balding areas.
