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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
Rapid Genetic Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Signaling During Hair Regeneration
Published on: February 28, 2013
Identification of novel hair-growth inducers by means of connectivity mapping
Yumiko Ishimatsu-Tsuji1, Tsutomu Soma, Jiro Kishimoto
1Shiseido Innovative Science Research and Development Center, 2-12-1, Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-8643, Japan.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to identify novel inducers of hair growth using gene expression profiling at various stages of hair-growth induction. First, we analyzed gene expression at the onset of hair growth in mice induced by cyclosporin A (CsA), a well-known hair-growth inducer, using DNA microarray analysis. The results unveiled genes involved in the step-by-step progression of hair growth, including increases in melanin biosynthesis and decreases in immune response at d 2 and the subsequent stimulation of cell proliferation at d 4, followed by the up-regulation of hair specific keratins at d 7 after CsA treatment. With the use of the connectivity map (Cmap), agents that had a similar "gene signature" to that of the profiles of CsA-treated mice were identified. Several agents, including CsA, were identified by the Cmap and were evaluated for hair induction activity in vivo. One of the proposed agents, fluphenazine (from the d 2 signature) actually induced hair growth in vivo (ED(50): 2 mM for single application), and the subsequent application of 5 mM iloprost (from the d 4 signature) significantly enhanced the hair-growth effect of fluphenazine. From these results, Cmap analysis was proven to be a useful method that connects gene expression profiles of complicated biological processes, such as hair-growth induction, to effective agents.
Insights
Researchers identified new hair growth stimulants by analyzing gene expression patterns. Fluphenazine and iloprost were found to effectively induce and enhance hair growth in mice, showcasing a novel drug discovery approach.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Genomics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hair loss is a common concern, driving the search for effective treatments.
- Understanding the molecular mechanisms of hair growth is crucial for developing novel therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel inducers of hair growth using gene expression profiling.
- To explore the utility of Connectivity Map (Cmap) analysis for drug discovery in hair growth induction.
Main Methods:
- Gene expression profiling via DNA microarray analysis in CsA-induced mouse models.
- Utilizing Connectivity Map (Cmap) to identify agents with similar gene signatures.
- In vivo evaluation of identified agents for hair growth induction activity.
Main Results:
- Cyclosporin A (CsA) treatment revealed distinct gene expression profiles at different stages of hair growth.
- Cmap analysis successfully identified potential hair growth agents, including fluphenazine and iloprost.
- Fluphenazine induced hair growth, and its effect was significantly enhanced by subsequent iloprost application.
Conclusions:
- Cmap analysis is a valuable tool for connecting gene expression profiles to effective therapeutic agents.
- Fluphenazine and iloprost show promise as novel treatments for hair loss.
- This study provides a foundation for developing targeted hair growth therapies based on gene expression signatures.
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