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Imaging and Quantifying Mitochondrial Morphology in C. elegans During Aging
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Morphological changes in hair melanosomes by aging.
1Kao Corporation, R&D Development Research-Hair Care Products Research, Tokyo, Japan.
Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research
|March 1, 2018
Summary
Aging causes significant changes in hair melanosomes, the pigment carriers. Their minor axis increases with age, leading to larger volumes and potentially altering hair color from brown to black.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Cell Biology
- Hair Biology
Background:
- Hair graying is a common aging sign, primarily linked to melanocyte changes.
- The role of melanosomes, melanin carriers in hair shafts, in age-related hair color changes is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related morphological changes in hair melanosomes.
- To determine if melanosome alterations contribute to hair color changes with aging.
Main Methods:
- Melanosomes were isolated from pigmented hair samples of Japanese females aged 4-75.
- Morphological characteristics of melanosomes were observed and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Hair melanosomes showed significant age-dependent morphological changes.
- The minor axis of ellipsoidal melanosomes increased with age, broadening its distribution.
- Melanosome volume approximately doubled from childhood to old age.
Conclusions:
- Enlargement of hair melanosomes with age is a key factor in the shift from brown to black hair color.
- Melanosome morphology changes, not just melanocyte function, are crucial in understanding age-related hair pigmentation.
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