New Research Shows Baldness Reversal Promise
New Research Shows Baldness Reversal Promise
Scientists have discovered a little but strong protein that may restore hair growth for millions of people.
The new Nature Communications research finds that MCL-1 protects hair follicle stem cells, which regenerate hair. Deficiency of MCL-1 prevents follicle regeneration, causing permanent baldness.
Mouse molecular biology tests showed that shutting off MCL-1 stopped hair renewal. The protein deficiency caused hair loss in newborn mice and prevented hair growth in adult animals.
“MCL-1 acts like a bodyguard for hair follicle stem cells,” researchers said. “Take it away, and the system falls apart.”
The biochemistry is complicated, but MCL-1 is needed to resume hair development.
Tissue engineering specialist Professor Sheila MacNeil, who was not involved in the work, termed it a classic example of scientific investigation: “Remove one element and see what fails.” The results provide scientists “a credible target” in their pursuit for a baldness treatment, she said.
Don’t hurry to the drugstore yet. Professor Dorothy Bennett, a cell scientist, warned. MCL-1 isn’t a topical cream like coconut oil, she said. It works inside cells, so getting it there is difficult.
There’s a bright side. Activating the epidermal growth factor receptor increased MCL-1 levels, suggesting a more practical treatment approach.
Although a baldness cure won’t be available soon, this discovery gives those who’ve waited hope. Regrowing lost hair may finally gain traction with more research.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson may be happily bald by choice, but millions of others may soon be able to stop hair loss.
Hair loss today, growth tomorrow? Science is nearing its realization.
