Hair Follicle Stem Cells Regulated by FOXC1

Stem cells (in green) of the hair follicle (outlined in magenta) reside in a specialized niche, called the bulge (outlined in red). They adhere to each other to maintain up to four bulges and four hairs (image on left, showing 3 bulges and hairs). Researchers have identified the protein FOXC1, as a regulator which controls how quickly the hairs regenerate and helps maintain multiple bulges and hairs. In the absence of FOXC1, the stem cells adhere poorly and can maintain only one hair, as in the image on the right. This can result in loss of the hair as the stem cells are depleted. This study may give helpful insights into treating hair loss from disease or aging.