I found this on webmd, anyone have any thoughts?? :roll:
May 14, 2003 -- Mice are once again helping humans -- this time, it's with a potential new treatment for hair loss.
Researchers exploring new cancer treatments made the unlikely discovery, published in the May 15, 2003 issue of Genes & Development. A protein called beta-catenin seems to be key to the age-old mystery of hair loss, researchers explain.
Beta-catenin is known to be involved in triggering cell growth. When beta-catenin multiplies out of control, it can lead to several types of cancer, including colon cancer, explains study researcher Eric R. Fearon, MD, PhD, professor of oncology with the University of Michigan Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, in a news release.
In a complicated set of experiments, Fearon and colleagues were trying to understand better how beta-catenin works. They ended up with a surprise -- a potentially new product for hair loss.
Researchers used a special strain of mice whose hair follicles and skin cells contained highly sensitive beta-catenin. Another group of mice with normal beta-catenin served as a comparison group. To get access to the hair follicles, the backs of the mice in both groups were shaved. The researchers expected to find tumor growth in response to a chemical that stimulates beta-catenin, called 4-OHT.
However, no tumors ever appeared, they report. Instead, the special mice (with extra-sensitive beta-catenin) began growing hair in the shaved/treated areas on their backs. Researchers also noticed other skin changes that suggested an exaggerated growth phase of the hair cycle.
"Hair follicles are like a mini-organ in the body," explains David Van Meter, graduate student and lead researcher, in a news release. "Unlike most organs in the adult body, hair follicles go through regular cycles of growth, regression, and rest. They are able to regenerate completely during each growth phase."
In follow-up experiments, Van Meter applied 4-OHT just once to the shaved backs of both mouse groups. Fifteen days later, the "special mice" needed another shave -- their hair loss problems were over. But there were no signs of new hair growth on the comparison mice.
The finding could lead to a new treatment for hair loss, researchers hope.
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SOURCES: News release, University of Michigan Health System. May 15, 2003 Genes & Development.
May 14, 2003 -- Mice are once again helping humans -- this time, it's with a potential new treatment for hair loss.
Researchers exploring new cancer treatments made the unlikely discovery, published in the May 15, 2003 issue of Genes & Development. A protein called beta-catenin seems to be key to the age-old mystery of hair loss, researchers explain.
Beta-catenin is known to be involved in triggering cell growth. When beta-catenin multiplies out of control, it can lead to several types of cancer, including colon cancer, explains study researcher Eric R. Fearon, MD, PhD, professor of oncology with the University of Michigan Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, in a news release.
In a complicated set of experiments, Fearon and colleagues were trying to understand better how beta-catenin works. They ended up with a surprise -- a potentially new product for hair loss.
Researchers used a special strain of mice whose hair follicles and skin cells contained highly sensitive beta-catenin. Another group of mice with normal beta-catenin served as a comparison group. To get access to the hair follicles, the backs of the mice in both groups were shaved. The researchers expected to find tumor growth in response to a chemical that stimulates beta-catenin, called 4-OHT.
However, no tumors ever appeared, they report. Instead, the special mice (with extra-sensitive beta-catenin) began growing hair in the shaved/treated areas on their backs. Researchers also noticed other skin changes that suggested an exaggerated growth phase of the hair cycle.
"Hair follicles are like a mini-organ in the body," explains David Van Meter, graduate student and lead researcher, in a news release. "Unlike most organs in the adult body, hair follicles go through regular cycles of growth, regression, and rest. They are able to regenerate completely during each growth phase."
In follow-up experiments, Van Meter applied 4-OHT just once to the shaved backs of both mouse groups. Fifteen days later, the "special mice" needed another shave -- their hair loss problems were over. But there were no signs of new hair growth on the comparison mice.
The finding could lead to a new treatment for hair loss, researchers hope.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOURCES: News release, University of Michigan Health System. May 15, 2003 Genes & Development.