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SKIN AGING

Inhibition of microRNA turns back the CLOCK of hair follicle aging

Nature Aging volume 1, pages 753–754 (2021)Cite this article

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A new study shows that increased microRNA-31 expression is associated with hair follicle aging. Genetic deletion of the microRNA or pharmacological inhibition of its downstream effectors suppresses hair follicle stem cell aging in mice.

Skin, the largest organ of the human body, consists of epidermis and epithelial appendages, including HFs, sweat glands and sebaceous glands2. Skin provides an external barrier to retain body fluids, maintain tissue homeostasis and withstand environmental assault. Throughout one’s lifespan, HFs undergo cyclic bouts of hair growth (anagen), degeneration (catagen) and rest (telogen), known as the hair cycle. Cellular activities of the hair cycle are intimately controlled by HFSCs located in an anatomically distinct region known as the bulge3,4,5. Growing evidence has shown that HFSCs are highly plastic and can promote wound healing6.

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Fig. 1: Inhibition of miR-31 and its regulation MAPK/ERK signaling improve skin aging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA

    Chi Zhang

  2. Department of Pathology and Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA

    Rui Yi

Authors
  1. Chi Zhang
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  2. Rui Yi
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Correspondence to Rui Yi.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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Zhang, C., Yi, R. Inhibition of microRNA turns back the CLOCK of hair follicle aging. Nat Aging 1, 753–754 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s43587-021-00101-y

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