Dermal papilla cells express hepatocyte growth factor

¹Department of Dermatology, Juntendo University, School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.

|July 1, 1994

Summary

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is expressed by dermal papilla cells and stimulates human hair bulb keratinocyte growth. This finding highlights HGF

Area of Science:

Background:

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are crucial for hair follicle development.
The dermal papilla plays a significant role in hair follicle induction, development, and maintenance.
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a polypeptide with diverse biological functions.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the expression of HGF in cultured human dermal papilla cells (DPC).
To examine the effect of HGF on cultured human keratinocytes derived from the hair bulb.
To elucidate the role of HGF in hair follicle growth regulation.

Main Methods:

Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to detect HGF immunoreactivity in DPC conditioned media.
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect HGF mRNA expression in DPC.
In vitro culture of human dermal papilla cells and hair bulb keratinocytes.

Main Results:

HGF was detected in conditioned media of DPC treated with IL1-alpha, TNF-alpha, and TPA, but not in untreated or TGF-beta treated cells.
HGF mRNA expression in DPC was enhanced by IL1-alpha, TNF-alpha, and TPA, and suppressed by TGF-beta.
HGF significantly stimulated DNA synthesis in human hair bulb keratinocytes in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

Dermal papilla cells express HGF in vitro.
HGF promotes the growth of human hair bulb keratinocytes.
HGF is a key factor in regulating hair follicle growth through keratinocyte stimulation.

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