What is the Origin of Hair Follicle Epigenetics?

The term combines the anatomical structure 'hair follicle' with 'epigenetics,' which refers to heritable changes in gene function that do not involve changes in the DNA sequence. The hair follicle is increasingly studied as a surrogate tissue for systemic health.

What is the Mechanism of Hair Follicle Epigenetics?

Hormones like dihydrotestosterone (DHT) exert their influence by binding to androgen receptors within the dermal papilla, which in turn triggers epigenetic modifications that alter the expression of growth factors and signaling molecules. In conditions like pattern hair loss, this mechanism involves changes in the methylation status of specific genes, leading to the progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle. The resulting epigenetic landscape dictates the hair follicle's responsiveness and lifespan.

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Hair Follicle Epigenetics

Meaning

Hair follicle epigenetics is the study of non-genetic regulatory changes, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, that occur within the cells of the hair follicle and influence the expression of genes controlling hair growth, cycle, and pigmentation. The hair follicle is a dynamic, hormonally sensitive appendage, and its epigenetic state provides a unique, accessible window into the cumulative effects of aging, hormonal signaling, and environmental exposures on tissue-specific gene regulation. These modifications can lead to phenotypic changes like androgenetic alopecia.