The Emergent Power of Human Cellular vs Mouse Models in Translational Hair Research

Abstract

Different animal models have been used for hair research and regeneration studies based on the similarities between animal and human skins. Primary knowledge on hair follicle (HF) biology has arisen from research using mouse models baring spontaneous or genetically engineered mutations. These studies have been crucial for the discovery of genes underlying human hair cycle control and hair loss disorders. Yet, researchers have become increasingly aware that there are distinct architectural and cellular features between the mouse and human HFs, which might limit the translation of findings in the mouse models. Thus, it is enticing to reason that the spotlight on mouse models and the unwillingness to adapt to the human archetype have been hampering the emergence of the long-awaited human hair loss cure. Here, we provide an overview of the major limitations of the mainstream mouse models for human hair loss research, and we underpin a future course of action using human cell bioengineered models and the emergent artificial intelligence.

Discovery of a novel and highly selective JAK3 inhibitor as a potent hair growth promoter

“…In addition to this, MJ04 was seen to dampen the level of proinflammatory cytokines, i.e., TNF-α, IL1-β, and IL-6 in the LPS primed macrophages, thereby reiterating its role in effectively inhibiting polarization of naïve T-cells into the proinflammatory immunophenotypes in order to reinstate the immune homeostasis and manage the autoimmune inflammatory response associated with induction of alopecia areata [ 49 , 50 ]. Among several strains of mice, C57BL/6 and C3H mouse strains are most frequently used for understanding hair biology and are commonly used for hair research [ 51 ]. Although several procedures and protocols have been established using mouse models, but these models still lack in providing actual representations of disease conditions.…”

Breaking bald: Unraveling the mysteries of hair loss and modern treatments

“…This shift in focus will help us find more effective treatments and avoid wasting time on treatments that don't work well in mouse models. 45…”

Alleviation of Severe Skin Insults Following High-Dose Irradiation with Isolated Human Fetal Placental Stromal Cells

“…The mesodermal dermis is composed of various connective tissues with slower proliferating cells, in combination with other structures built from various other cell types, including blood vessels cells, glands, neural sensors and resident cells of the immune system. Radiation induced changes can be reflected in the organization of the structures and the width of the different skin layers, as dictated by the proliferation rate of the cells, their death rate, and the regeneration of appendages such as hair follicles [ 4 , 5 ]. Damages to the skin inflicted by high-dose ionizing radiation in different animal models, were found to derive from combined insults to various cell types, with acute expression of damages to the faster proliferating epidermal cells [ 6 ].…”