Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Doxycycline Loaded Collagen-Chitosan Composite Scaffold for the Accelerated Healing of Diabetic Wounds
Published on: August 21, 2021
Lack of Collagen VI Promotes Wound-Induced Hair Growth
Peiwen Chen1, Matilde Cescon1, Paolo Bonaldo1
1Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Abstract:
Collagen VI is an extracellular matrix molecule that is abundantly expressed in the skin. However, the role of collagen VI in hair follicle growth is unknown. Here, we show that collagen VI is strongly deposited in hair follicles, and is markedly upregulated by skin wounding. Lack of collagen VI in Col6a1(-/-) mice delays hair cycling and growth under physiological conditions, but promotes wound-induced hair regrowth without affecting skin regeneration. Conversely, addition of purified collagen VI rescues the abnormal wound-induced hair regrowth in Col6a1(-/-) mice. Mechanistic studies revealed that the increased wound-induced hair regrowth of Col6a1(-/-) mice is triggered by activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and is abolished by inhibition of this pathway. These findings highlight the essential relationships between extracellular matrix (ECM) and hair follicle regeneration, and suggest that collagen VI could be a potential therapeutic target for hair loss and other skin-related diseases.
Related Concept Videos
Phases of Wound Repair
Formation of Blood Clot
In case of deep injuries, trauma to blood vessels results in blood loss. In the meantime, phospholipids released from the ruptured endothelial cellular membrane are converted into arachidonic...
Tissue Renewal without Stem Cells
However, failure of such a system...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Type IV Collagen of Basal Lamina
A type IV collagen molecule has six alpha chains which can...
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells

