The use of dermal papilla cells in studies of normal and abnormal hair follicle biology.

The mesenchyme-derived dermal papilla plays a major regulatory role in the complex cell biology of the hair follicle. The ability to culture dermal papilla cells from a range of species and particularly a range of normal and disordered human hair follicles has enabled the development of a powerful new model system for investigating hair follicle biology. Already these studies have reinforced the importance of dermal papilla cells in initiating new follicle growth and in androgen action in human hair follicles. The retention of hair growth inducing capabilities and characteristics that reflect their in vivo responsiveness to androgens in culture means that they offer a potentially useful approach despite significant drawbacks in working with the cells themselves. Further studies using dermal papilla cells may well elucidate key molecules involved in hair biology in health and disease and, thereby, lead to better therapeutic regimens.