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Review
. 2025 Feb 4;16(1):44.
doi: 10.1186/s13287-025-04182-z.

Progress on mitochondria and hair follicle development in androgenetic alopecia: relationships and therapeutic perspectives

Ting-Ru Dong #  1 , Yu-Jie Li #  1 , Shi-Yu Jin  1 , Feng-Lan Yang  1 , Ren-Xue Xiong  1   2 , Ye-Qin Dai  1   2 , Xiu-Zu Song  1   2 , Cui-Ping Guan  3   4
Affiliations
Review

Progress on mitochondria and hair follicle development in androgenetic alopecia: relationships and therapeutic perspectives

Ting-Ru Dong et al. Stem Cell Res Ther. .

Abstract

Hair loss has long been a significant concern for many individuals. Recent studies have indicated that mitochondria play a more crucial role in hair loss than previously recognized. This review summarizes the connection between mitochondrial dysfunction and hair follicle development, outlines the links between diseases related to mitochondrial disorders and hair issues, and highlights the influence of mitochondrial dysfunction on androgenetic alopecia. We discuss the cellular and signaling mechanisms associated with hair loss and examine how mitochondrial dysfunction, such as insufficient energy supply, signaling irregularities, protein/gene abnormalities, and programmed cell death, can hinder the normal proliferation, differentiation, and growth of hair follicle cells. Furthermore, we discuss current treatment approaches and potential innovative therapies, including mitochondrion-targeting drugs and advanced techniques that directly target hair follicle cells, providing fresh insights into the crucial role of mitochondria in maintaining hair follicle health and managing hair disorders. Furthermore, this review explores future therapeutic strategies and proposes that mitochondrial research could lead to groundbreaking treatments for hair loss, thus providing optimism and new avenues for the treatment of individuals experiencing hair loss. This review not only underscores the central importance of mitochondria in hair health but also emphasizes the importance of advancing research and treatment in this field.

Keywords: Androgenetic alopecia; Hair follicle; Mitochondria.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical approval and consent to participate: Not applicable Consent for publication: Not applicable Competing interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Key signaling pathways involved in various cell types within the hair follicle
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Hair follicle signaling pathways associated with mitochondria
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Impact of mitochondrial abnormalities on hair follicle development
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Promising treatment strategies for AGA
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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