Haihua Zhang1, Yongmei Su2, Jiantao Wang3, Ying Gao4, Fuhe Yang5, Guangyu Li6, Qiumei Shi7. 1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, People's Republic of China; State Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Molecular Biology, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130112, People's Republic of China. 2. College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, People's Republic of China. 3. Tangshan Municipal Station of Animal Husbandry, Tangshan 063000, People's Republic of China. 4. Tangshan Animal Health Supervision Institute, Tangshan 063004, People's Republic of China. 5. State Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Molecular Biology, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130112, People's Republic of China. 6. State Key Laboratory of Special Economic Animal Molecular Biology, Institute of Special Animal and Plant Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun 130112, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: li_guangyu123@sina.com. 7. College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology, Qinhuangdao 066004, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: 94195601@qq.com.
Abstract
AIMS: Hair follicles play a critical role in the process of hair growth. The dermal papilla cells (DPCs) are an important component in the hair follicle regeneration and growth. This study investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on the growth of cultured mink hair follicles and DPCs. MAIN METHODS: The mink hair follicles were treated with ginsenoside Rb1 for 9 days and their lengths were measured every three days. Real-time PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of vascularization endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) and TGF-β1. In addition, the levels of proteins were detected by western blot. Cell proliferation was determined by immunofluorescence staining of proliferation marker Ki-67 and cell cycle analysis was performed on flow cytometry. Moreover, cell migration was evaluated by wound healing assay. KEY FINDINGS: Ginsenoside Rb1 promoted the growth of hair follicles, and proliferation and migration of DPCs. Ginsenoside Rb1 improved the expression levels of VEGFA and VEGF-R2, while attenuated the TGF-β1 expression both in hair follicles and DPCs. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rb1 facilitated the activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in hair follicles and DPCs. SIGNIFICANCE: The results reveals a crucial role of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in ginsenoside Rb1-induced growth of hair follicles and DPCs.
AIMS: Hair follicles play a critical role in the process of hair growth. The dermal papilla cells (DPCs) are an important component in the hair follicle regeneration and growth. This study investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on the growth of cultured mink hair follicles and DPCs. MAIN METHODS: The mink hair follicles were treated with ginsenoside Rb1 for 9 days and their lengths were measured every three days. Real-time PCR was used to determine the mRNA expression of vascularization endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), VEGF receptor 2 (VEGF-R2) and TGF-β1. In addition, the levels of proteins were detected by western blot. Cell proliferation was determined by immunofluorescence staining of proliferation marker Ki-67 and cell cycle analysis was performed on flow cytometry. Moreover, cell migration was evaluated by wound healing assay. KEY FINDINGS:Ginsenoside Rb1 promoted the growth of hair follicles, and proliferation and migration of DPCs. Ginsenoside Rb1 improved the expression levels of VEGFA and VEGF-R2, while attenuated the TGF-β1 expression both in hair follicles and DPCs. Furthermore, ginsenoside Rb1 facilitated the activation of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in hair follicles and DPCs. SIGNIFICANCE: The results reveals a crucial role of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β signaling pathway in ginsenoside Rb1-induced growth of hair follicles and DPCs.