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Updated: Sep 16, 2025

Rapid Genetic Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Signaling During Hair Regeneration
Published on: February 28, 2013
Serotonin activates dermal papilla cells and promotes hair growth
Tatsuto Kageyama1,2,3, Jieun Seo2,3, Lei Yan1,2,3
1Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 3-2-1 Sakado Takatsu-Ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, 213-0012, Japan.
Abstract:
Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in regulating behavior, mood, memory, and gastrointestinal homeostasis. Although recent studies have identified an intestine-hair follicle link, potentially implicating 5-HT, its exact relationship with hair growth remains unclear. Here we investigated the effects of serotonin signaling on hair follicle homeostasis. Gene expression analysis showed significant upregulation of hair growth-related genes in dermal papilla cells treated with 5-HT. The hair growth-promoting effects of 5-HT were examined using hair follicle organoids and hair follicle organ cultures. The addition of 5-HT to hair follicle organoids and hair follicles promoted hair shaft elongation. Similar effects were observed with sumatriptan succinate, a 5-HT receptor agonist. These results suggest that targeting serotonin signaling can advance alopecia therapy.
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