How the support cells around hair follicles help hair grow back
Specification, Molecular Control and Niche Functions of the Hair Follicle Mesenchyme
Researchers are looking at how a muscle-like layer around hair follicles moves a key signaling center so hair can regrow, which could help people with hair thinning or loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168715 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses live two-photon imaging, targeted genetic tools, and lab assays to watch how the dermal sheath (a muscle-like layer lining the follicle) contracts and repositions the dermal papilla during the hair cycle. They measure signaling molecules such as endothelin and calcium in the sheath and nearby progenitor cells and test how changing these signals affects contraction and follicle remodeling. Experiments include precise cell ablation, gene targeting, and functional bioassays in model systems and tissue samples to establish cause-and-effect. The work aims to map the molecular switches that control contraction and follicle regeneration to inform future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with hair thinning or non-scarring hair loss who are interested in contributing to research on hair regeneration may be appropriate to follow this work or participate in related studies.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate hair restoration, or those with scarring alopecia or unrelated skin diseases, are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to restore normal hair cycling and treat hair thinning or loss by targeting the dermal sheath or its signaling pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown the dermal sheath can move the dermal papilla and influence hair growth, but targeting endothelin signaling for this purpose is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rendl, Michael — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Rendl, Michael
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.