Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells engineered to overexpress growth factors accelerate outcomes in hair growth

Abstract

Human umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cells (hUCB-MSCs) are used in tissue repair and regeneration; however, the mechanisms involved are not well understood. We investigated the hair growth-promoting effects of hUCB-MSCs treatment to determine whether hUCB-MSCs enhance the promotion of hair growth. Furthermore, we attempted to identify the factors responsible for hair growth. The effects of hUCB-MSCs on hair growth were investigated in vivo, and hUCB-MSCs advanced anagen onset and hair follicle neogeneration. We found that hUCB-MSCs co-culture increased the viability and up-regulated hair induction-related proteins of human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs) in vitro. A growth factor antibody array revealed that secretory factors from hUCB-MSCs are related to hair growth. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were increased in co-culture medium. Finally, we found that IGFBP-1, through the co-localization of an IGF-1 and IGFBP-1, had positive effects on cell viability; VEGF secretion; expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), CD133, and β-catenin; and formation of hDPCs 3D spheroids. Taken together, these data suggest that hUCB-MSCs promote hair growth via a paracrine mechanism.

Migration Inhibitory Factor in Conditioned Medium from Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Stimulates Hair Growth

“…It is well-known that activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by inhibiting GSK-3β induces β-catenin phosphorylation and degradation, promoting DPC proliferation [ 15 , 20 , 23 , 30 ]. Therefore, we examined the protein levels of β-catenin, phosphorylated GSK-3β (p-GSK-3β [SER9]), p-AKT, and cyclin D1, which are all known to mediate cell proliferation, by western blot analysis.…”

“…CM, containing growth factors and tissue regenerative agents secreted by MSCs, has a paracrine effect on neighboring cells [ 38 ]. Previous research has shown that cytokines secreted by umbilical cord blood-derived and adipose-derived stem cells promote hair growth [ 20 , 22 , 23 , 24 ]. Additionally, one clinical study demonstrated that the hair stimulating complex produced by skin cells grown under hypoxic conditions secreted high levels of Wnt protein and had an efficacy in hair restoration [ 39 ].…”

“…Furthermore, hUCB-MSCs cultured with specific substances produce growth factors and regulatory factors that have paracrine effects on surrounding cells. These growth factors have also been shown to influence hair growth by promoting angiogenesis, maintaining anagen hair, and activating hair growth [ 20 ].…”

Advanced Medical Therapies in the Management of Non-Scarring Alopecia: Areata and Androgenic Alopecia

“…Moreover, histological analysis revealed that hMSC promoted hair follicle re-entry in the early and middle anagen phase prematurely compared with the minoxidil group. In addition, hMSC treatment up-regulated beta-catenin and AKT pathways and enhanced growth factors production [44]. [ 44] In vitro analysis of the effect hUCB-MSCs co-cultured with human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs).…”

“…In addition, hMSC treatment up-regulated beta-catenin and AKT pathways and enhanced growth factors production [44]. [ 44] In vitro analysis of the effect hUCB-MSCs co-cultured with human dermal papilla cells (hDPCs).…”