Scarring alopecias (i.e. lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus) are a collection of hair loss disorders in which hair follicles (HF) are destroyed and replaced with scar tissue, resulting into permanent hair loss. We are happy to announce that we have established […]
Up to now, research on the “dead hair” and “live follicle” has been completed separated. However, responses occurring in the “live follicle” are likely to contribute to important changes in the “dead hair” structure, and quality. By partnering up with a major institution in the “dead hair” research, TRI Princeton, […]
Understanding of mechanisms of cellular aging in humans requires reliable models that can rapidly reproduce key aspects of aging both in vitro and ex vivo. These pre-clinical models are also essential for the successful development of potent anti-ageing therapeutic and cosmeceutical strategies. As a result of several years of research, […]
We collaborate with Lipotype GmbH, Dresden Germany and have established a novel technique to perform high-resolution shotgun lipidomics analysis on micro-dissected human hair follicles. Together with our partner, we can investigate effectively whether any compound or formulations affect the lipid composition of the hair follicle and developing hair shaft, by […]
Bulk gene profiles of hair follicles is often not optimal for investigating the response of certain small hair follicle cell populations, e.g. dermal papilla. Therefore, we routinely apply laser capture microdissection (LCM) to isolate small cell populations from human hair follicles without mechanically isolating the compartments, in order to prevent […]
In collaboration with the team from Biomedical Technology Center, University of Münster, we have established an advanced intra-vital method to obtain high-resolution anatomical details of micro-dissected human hair follicles based on the label free-optical coherence tomography technique. Applications This method allows an accurate characterization of the distinct hair cycle stages […]
Wound healing is a highly complex dynamic process that involves the activation of several signalling pathways. In case of pathological environment such as age, diabetes and cancer, wound healing becomes more critical and can be chronically disrupted. We have established a novel pathological wound healing model that mimics several […]
To understand the impact of UV (ultraviolet) irradiation on human hair follicle homeostasis is very important. We have established a new ex vivo assay to investigate how solar UVR that hits the human scalp skin surface effects hair follicle physiology. Applications Our assay can be used to test whether compounds […]
To reliably distinguish different phases of the hair cycle e.g. late catagen and telogen by stero-microscopy alone is challenging and requires histological analysis. In order to tackle this problem, we have established an intravital technique, based on meythelene blue staining, that can be applied to distinguishing late catagen from telogen […]
Together with Serend-ip GmbH, Münster, Germany, we have launched a novel service for investigating the nanotexture of corneocytes by atomic force microscopy of healthy human or atopic dermatitis skin organ culture ex vivo, or in the humanized model for atopic dermatitis. Applications Nanostructure analysis of corneocytes can be used to […]
We collaborate with Prof. Dr. Amos Gilhar, Technion Israel Institute, Israel to establish a novel humanized mouse model for atopic dermatitis (AD). Our AD model recapitulates all the key features of the disease that are required for the preclinical development of preventive and therapeutic agents for AD management. Applications Our […]
Supplementation with nutraceuticals has been shown to be beneficial for hair growth, and quality, especially in the context of female or male pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia (Ablon, Dermatol Clin 2021). However, a formal proof of nutrient or other essential metabolite deficiency in affected hair follicles from patients […]
Chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) causing permanent or partial hair loss in the course of chemotherapy, is a major non-desirable effect of most systemic cancer treatment therapies. To advance our knowledge from our established chemotherapy-induced alopecia ex vivo model towards more clinically relevant therapies, we have developed a novel chemotherapy-induced alopecia humanized […]
Human scalp skin and hair follicles (HF) are densely innervated by sensory peripheral nerve fibers (NF). This crosstalk between skin and nerves suggests that neuro-mediators released by cutaneous NFs effect human epidermis and HF function and vice-versa. Imbalance in this complex bi-directional communication may contribute in the development of several […]
The human hair follicle is colonized by unique and complex microbiota and serves as a microbial habitat, providing a maximal surface area for microbe-host interactions. To gain a deep understanding of the microbiome of the human hair follicle, we perform bacterial 16S rRNA (or shotgun) sequencing and in situ […]
