MicroRNA for Treating Baldness: A Breakthrough in Hair Loss Recovery?
- Written by Victor Lordhair
- Jul 28, 2023
- |
- 8 min read
Baldness is a common condition that affects both men and women. One of the leading causes of baldness in men is the aging of hair follicles, which results in a decline in hair growth and eventual hair loss. People behind MicroRNA research claim that they can manage this natural phenomenon to tackle hair loss. However, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. For instance:
- Is it safe?
- Can it be done at a mass level?
- How long before the product appears on the market?
Lordhair - trusted globally for hair toupees and women's wigs - decided to delve into microRNA and its potential future role in hair recovery - to learn how it aims to treat baldness by stimulating growth in aging hair follicles. Before everything else, let’s learn the basics of MicroRNA.
Understanding MicroRNA
MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. They function as post-transcriptional regulators by binding to messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules, thereby modulating the translation and stability of their target genes. MicroRNAs are involved in various cellular processes, including development, differentiation, and tissue regeneration.
For the past decade, many researchers have been investigating the potential of microRNA as a novel therapeutic strategy to stimulate hair growth in aging hair follicles.
MicroRNA and Hair Growth Regulation
Hair growth is a complex process that involves the cyclic activity of hair follicles. The growth phase, known as anagen, is characterized by active hair production, while the resting phase, called telogen, involves hair shedding. Various signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms control these phases, and any disruption in their regulation can lead to hair loss.
MicroRNAs have been found to regulate several key genes involved in hair growth, making them potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
Recommended reading: The culprit behind hairy moles can also treat pattern baldness!
Role of MicroRNA in Stimulating Hair Growth
Studies have identified specific microRNAs that can promote hair growth by targeting genes involved in the regulation of hair follicle growth and maintenance. For instance, miR-31, miR-100, and miR-218 have been shown to enhance hair follicle development and stimulate hair growth. These microRNAs target genes that are responsible for inhibiting hair growth, promoting the transition of hair follicles from the resting phase to the growth phase, and enhancing the proliferation of hair follicles cells.
Moreover, microRNAs can also modulate signaling pathways involved in hair follicle development. The Wnt signaling pathways play a crucial role in hair follicle growth, and microRNAs such as miR-103 and miR-107 have been found to positively regulate this pathway. By targeting negative regulators of Wnt signaling, microRNAs can enhance the activation of this pathway, leading to increased hair growth.
Potential Applications of MicroRNA-Based Therapies
The discovery of microRNAs with hair growth-promoting properties has opened up new possibilities for developing microRNA-based therapies for baldness. One approach involves the use of synthetic microRNA mimics, which are designed to mimic the activity of specific hair growth-promoting microRNAs. These mimics can be topically applied to the scalp or delivered via gene therapy techniques to target specific areas of hair loss.
Additionally, researchers are exploring the use of nanoparticles as delivery vehicles for microRNAs. Nanoparticles can protect microRNAs from degradation and improve their uptake by hair follicle cells, thereby enhancing their therapeutic efficacy. This approach holds promise for developing localized and targeted miRNA delivery systems for treating baldness.
When Will MicroRNA Arrive on the Market?
MicroRNA-based hair recovery products and therapies will take time to appear on the market. Scientists have recently identified the significance of RNA particles for baldness recovery. Usually, such new findings take close to a decade to materialize as affordable products.
Is MicroRNA a Safe Option for Hair Loss Recovery?
Since microRNA-based therapies and products are yet to be designed and tested, it's hard to predict if they will be safer than existing hair replacement options available on the market.
MicroRNAs for Treating Baldness: Conclusion
MicroRNA-based therapies represent a promising approach for treating baldness by stimulating growth in aging hair follicles. By targeting key genes and signaling pathways involved in hair growth regulation, microRNAs have the potential to promote hair follicle development, transition resting follicles to the growth phase, and enhance cell proliferation. Further research and clinical studies are needed to fully explore the therapeutic potential of microRNAs and optimize their delivery strategies.
In case you have lost a lot of hair and there are visible bald patches on the scalp, we recommend seeking medical advice or opting for a hair system (also known as a toupee, wig, or hairpiece) to achieve a full head of hair. For those who don’t know, these are non-surgical options that provide immediate and natural-looking solutions to cover thinning hair and bald spots. Designed using advanced techniques, high-quality base materials and human hair strands, hair systems mimic the appearance, texture, and feel of natural hair.
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you!
Also, check out this resource on hair loss in young men if hair fall is happening pretty fast!