Dissecting the bulge in hair regeneration
Peggy Myung, Mayumi Ito
Peggy Myung, Mayumi Ito
Published February 1, 2012
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2012;122(2):448-454. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI57414.
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Review Series

Dissecting the bulge in hair regeneration

Abstract

The adult hair follicle houses stem cells that govern the cyclical growth and differentiation of multiple cell types that collectively produce a pigmented hair. Recent studies have revealed that hair follicle stem cells are heterogeneous and dynamic throughout the hair cycle. Moreover, interactions between heterologous stem cells, including both epithelial and melanocyte stem cells, within the hair follicle are just now being explored. This review will describe how recent findings have expanded our understanding of the development, organization, and regeneration of hair follicle stem cells. At a basic level, this review is intended to help construct a reference point to integrate the surge of studies on the molecular mechanisms that regulate these cells.

Authors

Peggy Myung, Mayumi Ito

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Figure 2

Two-step mechanism of activation.

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Two-step mechanism of activation. The sHG and bulge cells are biochemica...
The sHG and bulge cells are biochemically and functionally distinct populations (35). During late telogen/anagen onset, sHG cells respond first (orange) to signals from the DP to undergo activation and proliferation, which initiates hair growth during the anagen phase. The bulge cells respond by undergoing activation and proliferation later, during the anagen phase (purple). sHG cells are proposed to jump start hair growth, while bulge cells continue to cycle slowly during the anagen phase to extend the ORS and maintain the matrix to support hair growth.