Japanese scientists have identified stem cells vital for hair regeneration, with the aim of launching clinical research to apply these cells to therapy for male pattern baldness.
According to an article published online in the British journal Scientific Reports, Takashi Tsuji, team leader of the government-affiliated Riken research institute, and colleagues established in vitro culture systems and found, through functional analysis, that positive stem cells for antibody CD34 and integrin alpha 6 and beta 5, both adhesive proteins, play significant roles in continuous hair regeneration, along with a glycoprotein called tenascin.
“Losing hair or teeth is not a threat to life, but it negatively affects the quality of life,” said Tsuji. “I hope to start the clinical study soon.”
Biotech startup Organ Technologies Inc. led preparatory work for launching the study with partners until work was suspended last fall due mainly to the resurgence of the coronavirus pandemic.
Riken is now soliciting donations and looking for partner companies to carry out regenerative medicine for those who have lost their hair and teeth.
In the clinical research planned to cure male pattern baldness, Tsuji’s team plans to grow hair follicles taken from people with the disease using a method developed in 2007, and then implant the cultured cells back in their heads.
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