Scientists have discovered a potential reason behind hair graying by studying hair follicles in mice, which may eventually lead to ways to prevent or reverse the process. Hair turns gray due to a lack of specialized pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. However, it remains unclear why this shortage occurs and how to prevent it.
Recent research on melanocyte stem cells (McSCs), which are precursors to melanocytes, has provided new insights. As people age, these McSCs get stuck in a region called the follicle bulge, preventing them from developing into melanocytes and coloring the hair. In experiments with mice, the number of hair follicles containing McSCs trapped in the follicle bulge increased significantly after inducing an aging process.
The study found that unlike other stem cells, McSCs can switch between a pure stem cell state and a transit-amplifying (TA) state, a crucial step for maintaining hair color. However, the cells can only enter the TA state if they receive signals from specific locations, which they are unable to access when trapped in the follicle bulge.
Although these findings have not been observed in human hair follicles yet, the same mechanisms might apply to human hair. In the future, this research could potentially help develop treatments to prevent hair from losing its color.
Other factors, such as genetics and stress levels, also contribute to hair graying. Researchers suggest that the key to maintaining hair color and health is the motility and reversible differentiation of melanocyte stem cells. This study has been published in Nature.
Key Takeaways in a Nutshell – Health Newstrack
– Hair graying occurs due to a lack of specialized pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
– Melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) get stuck in the follicle bulge as people age, preventing them from developing into melanocytes and coloring the hair.
– McSCs can switch between a pure stem cell state and a transit-amplifying (TA) state, which is crucial for maintaining hair color.
– Other factors, such as genetics and stress levels, also contribute to hair graying.