Understanding how hair follicles reset for new hair growth

Regulation of catagen regression and progenitor pruning by the dermal sheath

NIH-funded research Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11124751

This project looks at how hair follicles naturally shed old hair and prepare to grow new hair, which could help us understand hair loss and regeneration.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIcahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11124751 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

The hair on our heads goes through a natural cycle of growing, resting, and shedding. This project explores how hair follicles manage this cycle, specifically focusing on the process where old hair sheds and the follicle prepares for new growth. Researchers are looking at specific cells and signals within the skin that tell hair follicles when to reset. By understanding these natural processes, we hope to learn more about why hair loss happens and how to encourage new hair to grow.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients interested in the fundamental biology of hair growth and loss, or those with conditions related to hair cycle dysfunction, might find this research relevant.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical treatments or direct participation in a clinical trial would not directly benefit from this basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat hair loss or promote hair regeneration by targeting the natural signals that control the hair cycle.

How similar studies have performed: While the hair cycle is well-studied, this project investigates a specific, previously unknown mechanism involving the dermal sheath in regulating progenitor death during hair regression, making this approach novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.