Some more than others, but in general most human beings have hairs in areas of the body like head, legs or arms. However, in others, such as the palm of the hands or the soles of the feet, no hair is born, without distinction of bad, age or tendency to hairiness of the individual. Why is it

This is a question that many scientists have asked and now a team of researchers from University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, in order to apply this knowledge to the treatment of alopecia or the recovery of hair growth in Scars of burns and large wounds. Moreover, his results, published today in Cell reports, explain why some animals, such as rabbits, they have hair on areas of the body where other rodents, like mice, no.

Inhibit more "hairy" signaling

The gene that codes for an inhibitor of the signaling pathway involved in the development of hair follicles is expressed on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet.

These researchers focused their study on WNT signaling channel, known to have a vital role in the development of hair follicles and hair growth. It is clear that, under normal conditions, this route works perfectly in areas of the body such as the legs or arms, but it does not work in other areas, such as the palm of the hands.

The answer, as these scientists describe it in their study, is a protein inhibitor of this pathway, called Dickkopf 2 (DDK2). They verified that the gene that codes for this protein is found very expressed in the plantar skin of mice, in which, as in the soles of human feet, no hair grows. However, if it is inactive the The hair begins to develop as in the rest of the body. This shows that WNT Road is also in these areasbut is paralyzed by the action of DDK2.

Finally, they found that in rabbits, this gene is not expressed, from where his skin, like that of the polar bears, yes he has hair. This shows that, throughout the evolution, this path has followed different paths, according to concrete needs of each species animal

Beyond curiosity

All this answers to a curious question This is what we have been doing for a long time, but the goal of this team of scientists goes a lot further.

We know that hair follicles develop in the human fetusesbut stop production after birth. That's why, when a big burn or a wound heals, the new skin lacks hair. In search of a solution to this problem, they proposed check if it is DDK2 whoever is involved in paralysis of development of hair follicles; in this case, it could be reactivated to promote new skin with hair.

But, above all, the main concern about hair loss is that of people with alopecia. According to data from the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV), 40% of men aged 18 to 39 suffer Androgenic alopecia. In addition, the percentage reached 95% in men with ages over 70 years.

Although it does not involve any health problems, it is often accompanied by a large dissatisfied with the physical appearance, so many scientists are trying to find a solution. Previous studies have found DKK2 like a potential candidate at the onset of this progressive loss of hair, these researchers also intend to focus on the next steps in their badysis work. Without doubt, if they manage to reach a good port, many people will be happy with their discoveries.

More Science Articles