¹Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Luebeck, Lubeck, Germany

Correspondence: Professor Ralf Paus, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, University of Luebeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, D-23538 Luebeck, Germany. E-mail: ralf.paus@uk-sh.de

Abstract

The human hair follicle is a unique mini-organ, capable of life-long cycles of massive growth (anagen), regression (catagen), and resting (telogen). Recent work has identified complex, stringently localized signaling mechanisms between skin neuro-ectoderm and mesoderm that drive these cyclic organ transformations (hair cycle). Pilosebaceous units have recently surfaced as both prominent targets and sources of prototypic stress mediators. This presentation discusses these recent findings and their possible role in the control of the hair cycle and melanogenesis.