Cholesterol promotes hair growth through activating sympathetic nerves and enhancing the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells

• DOI: 10.1186/s10020-025-01139-z
• Publication Date: 2025-03-05T20:28:05Z
• Authors: Mengchen Guo; Junkun Jiang; Anke Zhang; Wenjing Yu; Xin Huang
• Keywords: Cholesterol; Hair follicle stem cells; Research; Sympathetic nervous system; Therapeutics. Pharmacology; RM1-950; QD415-436; Hair follicle regeneration; Biochemistry

The regulatory mechanisms by which cholesterol influences hair regeneration remain incompletely understood. This study investigates the effects of on follicle stem cells (HFSCs) proliferation and regeneration, with a focus underlying molecular mechanisms. Subcutaneous injections in C57BL/6 mice significantly enhanced promoting HFSCs proliferation. Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining revealed greater number follicles anagen phase cholesterol-treated group compared to controls. Immunofluorescence (IF) BrdU labeling further confirmed that stimulated Mechanistically, activated PKA signaling pathway, leading phosphorylation tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) at serine 40 residue, subsequently sympathetic nervous system (SNS). SNS activation increased proportion phase. Furthermore, nerve ablation attenuated regeneration-promoting cholesterol, highlighting critical role this process. These findings provide key insights into regulates via PKA-tyrosine hydroxylase-SNS pathway. Moreover, they suggest potential therapeutic applications targeting cholesterol-mediated pathways promote regeneration.