&w=3840&q=100)
Researchers map hair growth pathways for non-surgical hair restoration
Shome added that the global hair transplant market is currently valued at $15.22 billion and is projected to reach $23.32 billion by 2030.
Published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, the paper was developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from India and the United States. It redefines androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—the most common form of hair loss. Significantly, the study is among the first to integrate stem cell biology, gene therapy, and molecular signalling into a unified therapeutic approach for treating AGA.
'For decades, we have treated hair loss as a cosmetic issue. This paper consolidates what we now understand about the biological breakdown behind it—and reframes baldness as a malfunction of the body's regenerative system,' said Debraj Shome, senior author and Director at TEC.
The paper focuses on five main molecular pathways—Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Notch, and AKT/MAPK—that work together to control the hair follicle's growth cycle. In cases of AGA, this communication system breaks down—especially due to reduced Wnt activity and increased BMP signals—causing hair follicles to become inactive or dormant.
The research proposes several therapeutic strategies to biologically 'reset' hair follicles, such as using stem cell therapies to restore a healthy follicle environment, among other approaches. The Esthetic Clinics noted that some of these approaches have shown results in lab-grown tissues and animal models, with early-stage clinical trials expected to begin within the next two years.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mint
40 minutes ago
- Mint
Shubhanshu Shukla shares BIG health update as astronaut learns to walk days after returning from space
Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), has shared a glimpse of his recovery process following his 18-day space mission. In a video posted online, Shukla is seen taking assisted steps and later walking on a treadmill as part of his physical rehabilitation. 'I have received a lot of messages regarding my health and wishing me a speedy recovery,' he wrote in the caption. 'I want to thank you all and also give an update.' Explaining the effects of space travel, Shukla noted that time in orbit impacts the body in several ways — from fluid redistribution and changes in heart rate to a temporary loss of balance and muscle strength. 'These are adaptations to the new environment,' he said. 'Once the body gets used to this and we return to gravity, these adjustments happen once again.' He added that while recovery varies from person to person, the body is quick to respond. 'I was surprised to observe the pace with which our body can adjust to new settings,' he remarked. According to Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Shukla and his three fellow crew members remain in quarantine until July 23, as per standard post-mission procedures. The isolation period allows doctors to monitor their condition and assist them in readapting to Earth's gravity. Experts note that extended stays in space can result in weakened muscles, bone loss and coordination issues, making rehabilitation essential for a smooth return to everyday life. Shukla's journey is being hailed as a milestone for India's space ambitions. During the mission, he completed over 310 orbits of Earth and covered a distance exceeding 13 million kilometres. Shukla, along with three fellow astronauts, safely returned to Earth with a splashdown off the coast of California at 5:31 AM New York time on July 15. The mission marked a significant step for Texas-based company Axiom Space, which aims to collaborate with nations around the world to make space more accessible. The crew had launched into orbit last month aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, which lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They spent 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) before heading back to Earth.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
CEO out but not HR head! Why has Astronomer not fired Kristin Cabot after the scandal at Coldplay concert?
Despite CEO Andy Byron stepping down after a viral Kiss Cam incident at a Coldplay concert, Astronomer has not yet terminated its chief people officer, Kristin Cabot, who was also caught on camera in a cozy moment with him. Cabot is currently on leave. According to the New York Post, the New York-based data science company is treading cautiously due to potential legal implications. Cabot's future at Astronomer remains uncertain. Legal experts quoted by the Post suggest that the delay in any decision may be tied to 'likely contracts, internal investigations, and legal issues.' Some speculate that Cabot could be in the process of negotiating an exit deal, while others believe the company is awaiting the outcome of an internal probe before determining her fate. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like When the Camera Clicked at the Worst Possible Time Read More Undo Experts have also noted that if the relationship between Byron and Cabot was consensual, a sexual harassment lawsuit would be unlikely. What Happened at the Concert? The incident unfolded during a Coldplay concert last Wednesday at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. As frontman Chris Martin performed his 'Jumbotron Song' — where he improvises lyrics about audience members shown on the big screen — a couple appeared cuddling and smiling. The woman seemed visibly shocked when she noticed the camera, covering her face and quickly turning away, while the man also ducked out of the frame. Live Events 'Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy,' Martin quipped on stage. Who Were They? The internet quickly identified the pair: Andy Byron, Astronomer's CEO, and Kristin Cabot, the company's chief people officer. Their cozy moment soon went viral, sparking speculation and raising serious questions about professional boundaries at the top levels of the company. Initially, Astronomer was tight-lipped, dismissing a fake statement attributed to Byron as a 'clearly labeled parody.' But the company later confirmed the identities of the couple in a statement to the Associated Press. Fallout for the CEO As the video gained traction online, Byron became the most searched name on Google for a time. On Friday, Astronomer placed him on leave and launched a formal investigation. A day later, the company announced his resignation. Co-founder and chief product officer Pete DeJoy has since been appointed interim CEO. In a statement, the company later said: 'Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.'
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Hair Regrowth Without Transplant? New Molecular Approach Offers Hope
Mumbai: A team of scientists by mapping the complete molecular network of human hair, have identified several treatment procedures that can potentially eliminate the need for surgery or transplants for restoring hair growth. According to a recent study published in "Stem Cell Research & Therapy" integrating stem cell biology, gene therapy, and molecular signalling can potentially help to treat hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia (AGA) without the need of a transplant. The study co-authored by a multidisciplinary team from US and India, involving researchers of QR678, a hair regrowth formulation and The Esthetic Clinics (TEC) , suggest androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—the most common form of hair loss—not as an irreversible condition, but as a breakdown in regenerative signalling that can potentially be reversed.' Under the study, the researchers analysed five key molecular pathways—Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Notch, and AKT/MAPK—that collectively manage the hair follicle lifecycle. During their analysis, researchers found that in conditions like AGA, the communication between these aforementioned pathways breaks down, particularly with Wnt suppression and BMP overactivation, causing follicles to fall into dormancy. To correct such breakdowns the study outlined that gene-editing tools like CRISPR and stem cell therapies can help to correct misfiring signals, rebuild a supportive microenvironment. As per the researchers some of these treatments have already shown success in lab-grown tissue and animal models, and early clinical trials are expected to begin within the next two years. 'By mapping out the molecular misfires behind hair follicle dormancy, we now have a clearer pathway to develop therapies that don't just slow hair loss—but potentially reverse it by reawakening the body's own regenerative systems,' said Dr Michael Gold, dermatologist and founder of Gold Skin Care Center, USA. 'Hair follicles don't disappear; they go dormant due to disrupted cellular signals. By identifying how these signals fail—and how they can be restored—we move closer to resetting the system at a molecular level. It's a fundamental shift in how hair loss can be understood, and ultimately, reversed,' Dr Debraj Shome, senior author and Director at TEC, added. Scientists involved in the study suggest the global hair loss treatment market, valued around $4 billion (₹34,000 crore) available solutions includes only external therapies–-drugs, and treatment procedures—surgery, transplants. Whereas, the study's findings signal a space for exploring gene- and cell-based molecular therapies—a therapeutic domain that follows a completely different approach with differentiated targeting and treatment mechanisms.
