Search Results (764)

Salinity is a major constraint to crop productivity. Beneficial plant–fungus interactions represent a promising strategy to enhance stress resilience. Here, we investigated fungal endophytes isolated from the roots of Oryza sativa cultivated in saline-prone marshlands of the Guadalquivir River, Spain. From a collection of 38 isolates, five salt-tolerant strains exhibiting plant growth-promoting activity were identified, including a previously uncharacterized Reticulascus sp. strain S5. Co-cultivation assays with the non-native host plant Arabidopsis thaliana demonstrated that S5 increased the root and shoot biomass under salt stress. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms, a comprehensive RNA-Seq analysis of the roots and shoots under control and saline conditions was performed. Fungal colonization induced pronounced transcriptomic changes, particularly in the shoots, including rewiring of the auxin- and abscisic acid-related pathways and the induction of genes associated with cell wall remodeling. Concurrently, defense-related processes, including glucosinolate biosynthesis and ethylene signaling, were broadly repressed, suggesting attenuated stress perception in colonized plants. In the roots, S5 inoculation suppressed the expression of genes involved in root hair development and cell wall organization, indicating a fungus-driven reconfiguration of root development. Moreover, comparative analysis with Fusarium sp. K-23, a fungus that has previously been demonstrated to promote plant growth under salinity stress, revealed distinct root-associated mechanisms but convergence on a shared regulatory module in shoots involving ABA-responsive transcription factors and osmotic stress regulators. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Reticulascus sp. S5 enhances plant salt stress tolerance through the coordinated transcriptional reprogramming of growth, hormone signaling, and stress responses, highlighting a possible potential of habitat-adapted endophytes for sustainable crop improvement. Full article

Cashmere goats are widely distributed in the cold, arid and semi-arid remote regions of northern China. Their main economic value is the production of precious cashmere fibers. The differentiation of second hair follicle (SHF) stem cells into hair follicle lineages plays a crucial role in SHF regeneration as well as in the morphogenesis and growth of cashmere fibers; however, its precise molecular mechanism is still unclear. In this study, we found that N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A)-circHECA recruiting FUS promoted the differentiation of SHF stem cells into hair follicle lineages through stabilizing FOXM1 mRNA in SHF stem cells, thereby activating the NOTCH pathway in cashmere goats. Furthermore, we confirmed that the m⁶A modification of circHECA is required for the FUS/FOXM1-mediated NOTCH signaling pathway to facilitate the differentiation of SHF stem cells into hair follicle lineages via transfecting circHECA m⁶A-deficient mutants. Our results contribute to elucidating the functional mechanism of m⁶A-circHECA in the differentiation of SHF stem cells into hair follicle lineages in cashmere goats. Full article

Although Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (AM) exhibits various pharmacological properties, its molecular effects and active constituents regarding anagen entry and physiological hair cycle progression remain uncharacterized. This study aimed to investigate the hair growth-promoting efficacy of AM and identify its bioactive compounds and underlying molecular mechanisms. We evaluated AM extract using human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and a synchronized depilation-induced C57BL/6 mouse model, employing RT-PCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and SwissADME-based pharmacokinetic profiling. AM significantly enhanced DPC proliferation and migration while upregulating paracrine factors (HGF, VEGF, and FGF7). Mechanistically, AM activated Akt, ERK, and p38 MAPKs, leading to GSK3β phosphorylation (Ser9) and subsequent β-catenin stabilization. In vivo, oral AM (60 mg/kg) markedly accelerated the telogen-to-anagen transition, increasing dermal thickness, follicle count, and hair shaft quality without systemic toxicity. Furthermore, cell-based screening and SwissADME prioritized atractylenolide I and III as the chief bioactive sesquiterpenoids driving DPC activation. In conclusion, AM and its key atractylenolides promote anagen entry and hair regrowth, in association with GSK3β phosphorylation and β-catenin stabilization, representing promising natural candidates for promoting physiological hair cycle progression. Full article

Background/Objectives: The fibroblast-growth-factor 4 retrogene insertion on chromosome 12 (FGF4L2) is known to be associated with chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which increases the risk of Hansen’s type I intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) in Dachshunds. While the FGF4L2 insertion is known to occur at high frequency within the breed, subgroup-specific data relating to coat-type and size categories remain limited. This pilot study aimed to determine the distribution of FGF4L2 and wild-type (N) alleles in a cohort of Dachshunds registered with the German Dachshund Club (DTK) and to evaluate differences among coat and size varieties. Methods: A total of 488 Dachshund samples from the DNA archive of the Deutscher Teckelklub 1888 e.V. (DTK) were analysed and genotyped. Genotype data was categorised according to coat-type and size variant. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated for the overall population and for each subgroup. Results: The overall frequency of the FGF4L2 insertion allele was 96.51% (95% CI: 95.17–97.50). However, there were moderate differences between subgroups. The allele was nearly fixed in several coat and size variants. Standard wire-haired Dachshunds had the lowest allele frequency (89.09%) and were the only group in which homozygous wild-type individuals were observed. Heterozygous frequencies peaked in standard smooth-haired (16.7%) and standard wire-haired (14.5%) groups. Conclusions: Because the FGF4L2 frequency differs meaningfully between Dachshund varieties, grouping them into a single breed, as many studies do, can obscure the residual subgroup-specific genetic variation present in this population. Analysing the varieties separately provides a basis for future studies investigating factors that may interact with FGF4L2 in IVDE, thereby highlighting its multifactorial nature. It also reveals where wild-type alleles persist, making genotype-informed, variety-specific breeding a viable strategy for improving vertebral column health. However, variation in FGF4L2 allele frequency alone may not fully account for the recently reported differences in vertebral column health between Dachshund coat varieties. Full article

Melatonin, a methoxyindole synthesized by the pineal gland, is secreted in response to photoperiodic cues relayed from the retina through an endogenous circadian oscillator within the suprachiasmatic nucleus. Consequently, melatonin secretion regulates the circadian rhythm. Melatonin has been reported to have antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and wound-healing properties. It has also been reported to promote hair growth, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we explored the potential molecular mechanisms of melatonin-induced hair growth by using an in vivo C57BL/6 mouse model. We observed morphological changes in the dorsal area and changes in the hair cycle and anagen induction were observed through hematoxylin–eosin staining. The molecular mechanisms were explored using Western blotting and immunofluorescence assay. Our findings indicate that topical melatonin promotes anagen entry and hair regrowth in C57BL/6 mice, accompanied by the modulation of Wnt/β-catenin-related signaling proteins. The decrease in grayscale value, increase in hair length and skin thickness and histological change in hair follicles in the melatonin-treated group indicated hair regrowth in the dorsal skin of mice. Moreover, the expression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was remarkably regulated. These findings further our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying topical melatonin-induced hair growth. Full article

Hair follicle homeostasis is influenced by hormonal pathways, the scalp microenvironment, and environmental stressors such as pollution, UV radiation, and oxidative stress. Elissara^®, a polyphenol-enriched botanical ingredient, has shown benefits for scalp moisturization, barrier function, sebum regulation, and redness. Building on these scalp-level benefits, we investigated Elissara’s effects on follicular signaling, survival-associated biomarkers, oxidative damage, and androgen-related pathways as potential contributors to follicular health, using in silico, in vitro, and ex vivo models. Molecular docking (AutoDock Vina) of the main Elissara bioactives (oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, verbascoside, carnosic acid, carnosol, and quercetin) identified SRD5A2 as a favorable predicted target, with individual binding energies ranging from −8.70 to −9.73 kcal/mol, approaching finasteride/dutasteride reference values. As an exploratory approach, simultaneous multi-ligand docking showed favorable global docking outputs for several targets, indicating that multiple bioactives could be structurally accommodated within complementary regions of the binding site. In human follicle dermal papilla cells, Elissara significantly increased BrdU incorporation to 245.70% of control at 0.002% and reduced SRD5A2 protein levels by 18.48% at 0.006%. In human scalp explants, Elissara at 200 µg/mL increased β-catenin, Bcl-2, and collagen IV under basal conditions and counteracted acute PM_2.5/UVA-induced alterations in β-catenin, Ki67-positive cells, Bcl-2, IGF-1, collagen IV, and protein carbonylation. Together, these findings support the potential of Elissara as a promising nutricosmetic ingredient for supporting follicular resilience through multiple follicle-relevant pathways. Clinical studies assessing hair growth outcomes are needed to determine whether these preclinical findings translate into measurable benefits. Full article

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss, characterized by the progressive miniaturization of hair follicles driven by dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-mediated androgen receptor signaling. Current pharmacotherapies remain limited in efficacy and are often associated with undesirable side effects. Pungenin, a phenolic glucoside isolated from Picea wilsonii Mast., was investigated for its therapeutic efficacy in DHT-induced AGA model mice in this study. In primary mouse hair follicle cells exposed to DHT, pungenin mitigated cellular injury, restored normal morphology and viability, and significantly reduced the expression of type II 5α-reductase (Srd5α2). Topical treatment with pungenin markedly accelerated hair regeneration, as demonstrated by histological analysis and serum biochemical measurements. Transcriptomic profiling combined with network pharmacology suggested that the protective effects of pungenin are associated with transcriptional regulation of the PI3K/AKT/FoxO/mTOR axis, identifying 25 putative therapeutic targets, with qPCR further confirming the altered expression of key genes within this network. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that pungenin protects hair follicles against DHT-induced injury through suppression of Srd5α2 and transcriptional modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling axis, supporting further preclinical evaluation of pungenin as a potential candidate for AGA management. Full article

Androgen dysregulation impairs the homeostasis of the prostate, hair follicles, and ovaries, driving the pathogenesis of prostate cancer (PCa), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), androgenetic alopecia (AGA), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Current antiandrogen therapies are constrained by drug resistance, off-target toxicity, and limited long-term efficacy. Plant extracts, enriched with bioactive constituents such as polyphenols, alkaloids, and flavonoids, represent promising multi-target candidates. Therefore, focusing on plant extracts—particularly those of dietary origin—this review summarized the mechanisms by which they regulate androgen-dependent and androgen-independent signaling pathways, and recent advances in nutritional interventions targeting androgen-responsive organs. Furthermore, it discussed the multi-component combined effects and factors affecting in vivo exposure of plant extracts, including metabolic transformation and tissue distribution, which may influence the anti-androgenic activity. In summary, anti-androgenic plant extracts primarily target androgen synthesis and AR signaling across various androgen disorder models, with crosstalk into cell growth and cycle, anti-inflammatory pathways, and regulation of growth factors. This multi-target regulation relies on the mixture effects of plant extracts. Future research should focus on three directions: extract standardization, clinical validation, and advanced delivery systems. Full article

Brazilian cattle production relies predominantly on pasture systems, many of which are degraded by nutrient depletion, particularly nitrogen deficiency. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) offer a sustainable strategy to improve pasture productivity, but their effects are often host-specific and remain poorly explored in Paspalum. This study evaluated the effect of inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense strains CNPSo 2083 (=Ab-V5) and CNPSo 2084 (=Ab-V6) and Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CNPSo 2719 (=CCTB 03), applied by seed inoculation or leaf spray, on the root morphology and shoot growth of four Paspalum accessions under controlled axenic greenhouse conditions, evaluated in an early growth stage at 35 days after emergence. Genotype-specific responses were the central finding of this study: Paspalum malacophyllum BGP-293 showed negligible responses to inoculation, whereas BGP-486—of the same species—increased root dry weight by up to 43% and root tissue density by up to 30% in all inoculated treatments. In Paspalum regnellii BGP-112, seed inoculation produced stronger root responses than foliar spray, increasing root dry weight by up to 38% and root area by up to 40%. In Paspalum rojasii BGP-149, inoculation induced root architectural remodeling without increasing root biomass—root area increased by up to 92% and total root length by up to 97%, relative to the control—indicating an efficient root-foraging strategy. P. fluorescens favored root-foraging traits and tissue density, whereas A. brasilense preferentially stimulated root-hair elongation. These accession-level contrasts, rather than a single generalizable trend, are the main contribution of this work: they support tailored, genotype-specific PGPB strategies for sustainable tropical pastures. Full article

Abelmoschus manihot (L.) flowers are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, whereas the roots are often discarded as agricultural waste. The compact cellular and tissue architecture of the roots hinders the release of intracellular metabolites, thus impeding their reutilization. Here, enzyme-assisted ultrasonic extraction was developed to obtain a polysaccharide-rich crude extract from A. manihot roots. Orthogonal optimization identified pH 4.5, a temperature of 60 °C and a cellulase dosage of 6% (w/w) as the optimal extraction conditions, giving an extraction yield of 21.59%. The phenol–sulfuric acid assay indicated a total carbohydrate content of 75.09% (glucose equivalents). Structural analysis by Fourier transform infrared (FT−IR) confirmed the presence of characteristic polysaccharide functional groups, while monosaccharide composition analysis via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed the major components of glucose, glucuronic acid, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, etc. Inspired by the traditional use of A. manihot extract in papermaking, its preliminary hair care-related properties were further evaluated. At a concentration of 30 mg/mL, the extract solution inhibited Malassezia furfur growth by 84%, reduced wet and dry combing work by 16.93% and 30.86%, and increased tensile strength and tensile fracture energy by 13.04% and 14.84%, respectively. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images suggested smoother hair fiber surfaces after treatment. These results highlight the extract’s great potential for hair care cosmetic products. Full article

Studies conducted with crop species have demonstrated that seed nanopriming with nitric oxide (NO) donors is an effective strategy to enhance early seedling development. Given the limited information available on the application of this approach in trees, this exploratory study aimed to investigate the effects of seed priming with nanoencapsulated S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) on emergence, early growth and root hair traits of five native Atlantic Forest tree species (Heliocarpus popayanensis, Cecropia pachystachya, Cariniana estrellensis, Schinus terebinthifolia, and Senna macranthera). Seeds were primed with chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) containing different GSNO concentrations (0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5 and 5 mM), in addition to hydropriming and non-primed control treatments. Seedling emergence and growth parameters were evaluated. Seed priming with GSNO-loaded NPs promoted increases in primary and lateral root length and the root-to-shoot length ratio, although responses varied among species and concentrations. Heliocarpus popayanensis was the most responsive species, with optimal results obtained at GSNO concentrations between 1 and 2.5 mM. The treatment also promoted increases in root-hair incidence and/or length in C. pachystachya, C. estrellensis, S. terebinthifolia, and S. macranthera. Overall, the technique showed potential to improve the early development of Atlantic Forest tree seedlings under greenhouse conditions; however, its effectiveness is species-specific and concentration-dependent. Full article

The plant epidermis, adorned with trichomes and root hairs, represents a critical interface where developmental programming and environmental responses converge. Although the genetic basis of epidermal patterning has been extensively characterized in model systems, how these pathways are modulated under abiotic stress remains incompletely understood. This review integrates recent advances in epidermal development and stress biology, focusing on MYB–bHLH–WD40 (MBW) complexes, GIS-family C2H2 zinc-finger proteins, and ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE SIX-LIKE (RSL) transcription factors. These regulators participate in interconnected, organ-specific networks that coordinate trichome and root-hair development. Their activities are shaped by gibberellin–brassinosteroid interactions, ethylene–auxin coordination, jasmonate and abscisic acid signaling, and cytokinin- and nutrient-responsive pathways. We further discuss how reactive oxygen species and calcium oscillations translate transcriptional regulation into polarized cell growth. The resulting epidermal plasticity reflects trade-offs among growth, defense, resource acquisition, and conservation. By integrating single-cell transcriptomics, nutrient sensing, and evolutionary perspectives, this review provides a framework for understanding environmentally responsive epidermal development and identifies opportunities for improving crop resilience. The resulting framework identifies testable opportunities for crop improvement, while emphasizing that native network equivalence, pleiotropic effects, and field-level stress benefits remain to be established in crop species. Full article

This study aimed to optimize the extraction and purification of TSG-enriched Polygonum multiflorum extract and evaluate its therapeutic potential against androgenetic alopecia. P. multiflorum Thunb. has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote hair growth and preserve hair pigmentation. Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) was optimized to obtain a 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG)-enriched P. multiflorum extract (PME). The crude extract was further purified by medium-pressure liquid chromatography and semipreparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Phytochemical profiling by HPLC demonstrated a 3.75-fold increase in TSG content, from 22,770.0 ± 815 ppm to 85,387.5 ± 192 ppm, and the identity of the enriched TSG was confirmed by LC–MS and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. PME exhibited potent dose-dependent inhibition of 5α-reductase activity, reaching 92.7% inhibition at 1 μg/mL, comparable to that of finasteride. In a testosterone (TES)-induced androgenetic alopecia (AGA) mouse model, PME markedly accelerated hair regrowth and increased both the number and size of hair follicles. Mechanistically, PME suppressed the conversion of TES to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through 5α-reductase inhibition and promoted GSK3β inactivation, β-catenin stabilization, and nuclear translocation, indicating activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Consequently, the expression of hair growth-related proteins, including Ki67 (1.98-fold), epidermal growth factor (EGF, 1.54-fold), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1, 1.21-fold), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, 1.34-fold), was significantly upregulated. These findings demonstrate, for the first time, that TSG-enriched PME obtained through optimized MAE and chromatographic purification promotes hair regeneration through a dual mechanism involving 5α-reductase inhibition and Wnt/β-catenin activation, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for androgenetic alopecia. Full article

Background: Gestational iron requirements may lead to maternal iron deficiency, increasing susceptibility in offspring. In mice, maternal iron deficiency induces hair loss in pups, but mechanisms remain poorly characterized. Objective: This study investigates mechanisms underlying maternal iron deficiency-induced abnormal hair growth and the impact of iron supplementation on pups’ hair development. Methods: Pregnant C57BL/6J mice (nine-week-old, second week of gestation) were randomly assigned to a standard AIN-76 diet (control, CTRL) or an iron-deficient AIN diet (ID) until parturition and weaning. Offspring were maintained on the same diet as their mothers. At six weeks, hair loss was examined in one set (CTRL1 and ID), while the remaining were transitioned to an iron-replete AIN-76 diet (CTRL2 and IDN) for two additional weeks. An in vitro study with human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) via deferoxamine (DFO) treatment was performed. Results: ID offspring exhibited truncal hairlessness, reduced body size, and abnormal follicular morphology compared to CTRL1, while IDN demonstrated hair regrowth comparable to CTRL2. ID skin tissues had reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, elevated oxidative stress markers, and activation of caspase-3, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) signaling, all reversed by iron supplementation. DFO-treated HFDPCs demonstrated increased cellular and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), diminished Wnt/β-catenin signaling, activation of caspase-3, NF-κB, and TGF-β signaling pathways. N-acetylcysteine pretreatment abrogated DFO-induced alterations in Wnt/β-catenin signaling and apoptosis, suggesting ROS mediates iron deficiency-induced hair loss. Conclusions: Early iron deficiency may have impaired hair growth through increased ROS production, reduced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and enhanced apoptotic signals, while postnatal iron supplementation could reverse these abnormalities. Full article

Collagen peptides have been widely studied for their beneficial effects on skin health; however, their potential role in hair growth remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of orally administered low-molecular-weight fish collagen peptide (SH-GT) on hair regrowth and its underlying mechanisms in a hair-removed C57BL/6J mouse model. Mice were administered SH-GT (100, 300, or 600 mg/kg body weight) or a positive control (Pansidil, 400 mg/kg) daily for 28 days. SH-GT significantly enhanced hair regrowth, as evidenced by the increased hair growth area. Histological analysis revealed increased dermal thickness and visible hair follicle structures in SH-GT-treated groups. At the molecular level, SH-GT upregulated proliferation-related proteins, including PCNA and Cyclin D1, and activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In addition, SH-GT enhanced PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, suggesting improved cellular growth and survival. Conversely, SH-GT suppressed hair growth inhibitory pathways by reducing BMP4 expression and decreasing Smad phosphorylation. Furthermore, SH-GT increased the mRNA expression of growth factors such as IGF-1, HGF, VEGF, EGF, and FGF7. In conclusion, SH-GT promotes hair regrowth by simultaneously activating proliferation-related signaling pathways and suppressing inhibitory mechanisms, thereby improving the dorsal skin microenvironment associated with hair regrowth. These findings suggest that SH-GT may serve as a promising functional ingredient for improving hair growth. Full article