Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
08:36
Generation of Integration-free Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Hair-derived Keratinocytes
Published on: August 20, 2015
Proteoglycan expression patterns in human hair follicle
S Malgouries1, S Thibaut, B A Bernard
1L'OREAL Research, Hair Biology Group, 90 rue du Général Roguet, 92583 Clichy cedex, France.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|December 11, 2007
Summary
This study maps proteoglycans (PGs) and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in human hair follicles, revealing their varied distribution and changes during the hair cycle. Key components show specific patterns in anagen and catagen phases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Proteoglycans (PGs) are crucial for hair follicle signaling, but their glycosaminoglycan (GAG) components are understudied.
- Previous research identified some PG core proteins in adult human hair follicles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the distribution of PG core proteins and GAGs in human anagen hair follicles.
- To examine these distributions in selected follicles during the catagen phase.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and immunohistofluorescence were employed to visualize GAG chains and core proteins.
- Specific epitopes studied included CD44v3, syndecan-1, perlecan, versican, aggrecan, biglycan, heparan sulfate (HS), chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate (DS), and keratan sulfate (KS).
Main Results:
- Membrane PGs syndecan-1 and CD44v3 were found in the hair follicle epithelium and outer root sheath, respectively.
- Extracellular PGs (perlecan, versican, aggrecan, biglycan) and GAGs (HS, CS, DS, KS) were abundant in the dermal part, with variable distribution.
- A depletion of PGs was observed at the anagen bulb base, and certain CS/DS epitopes decreased during catagen onset.
Conclusions:
- Human anagen hair follicle GAG and PG expression is marked by basement membrane discontinuities.
- Specific epitopes disappear at catagen onset, suggesting roles in nutrient diffusion, cell dynamics, and hair protection.
Related Concept Videos
01:06Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell
A hair follicle or HF is a small part of the skin that produces the hair shaft. Paul Gerson Unna was the first to observe a bulge in the human hair follicle's outer root sheath (ORS). The bulge is present between the sebaceous gland and the arrector pili muscle and is the niche for hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). The bulge is also a niche for melanocyte stem cells, and their loss results in graying of hair. The HFSCs express Sox9 and Lhx2, which help them maintain stemness and prevent...
01:05Proteoglycans
Glycans, a class of complex heterogeneous molecules, can be covalently attached to proteins to form glycosylated proteins that regulate various physiological and pathological processes. Glycosylated proteins or glycoproteins comprise N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides. O-glycosylation is the most common type of protein glycosylation. Here, glycans attach to the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl groups of Serine or Threonine residues. O-linked glycosylation occurs later in protein processing,...
01:16Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles
Hair and hair follicles are integral components of the integumentary system. Hair is a filamentous structure composed mainly of a protein called keratin. It is found on the surface of the skin throughout the body, except for areas such as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
Hair is a keratinous filament growing out of the epidermis. It is primarily made of dead, keratinized cells. Hair strands originate at the epidermal penetration called the hair follicle. The hair shaft is the part...
01:20Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Hair growth begins with the production of keratinocytes by the basal cells of the hair bulb. As new cells are deposited at the hair bulb, the hair shaft is pushed through the follicle toward the surface. Keratinization is completed as the cells are pushed to the skin surface to form the shaft of hair that is externally visible. The external hair is completely dead and composed entirely of keratin. Hair can be cut or shaven without damaging the hair structure because the cut is superficial. Most...
01:21Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
Proteoglycans are extensively glycosylated proteins, commonly found in the extracellular matrix, interwoven with collagen fibers. Hyaline cartilage, the most common type of cartilage in the body, consists of short and dispersed collagen fibers associated with large amounts of proteoglycans. These proteoglycans have long negative charges that attract cations, which in turn attract water molecules. This influx of ions and water molecules swells up the proteoglycan like a water-soaked gel that can...
01:20Folliculogenesis
Folliculogenesis is the development of ovarian follicles, the specialized structures within the ovarian cortex where oogenesis, or egg development, occurs. This process is essential for female reproductive health and begins during fetal development when primordial follicles are formed. Each primordial follicle comprises a primary oocyte in the center, surrounded by a single layer of squamous pre-granulosa cells. These follicles remain dormant in late prophase I of meiosis until triggered by...