Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Beyond the Epidermal-Melanin-Unit: The Human Scalp Anagen Hair Bulb Is Home to Multiple Melanocyte Subpopulations of Variable Melanogenic Capacity

Version 1 : Received: 5 July 2023 / Approved: 6 July 2023 / Online: 6 July 2023 (09:04:00 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Casalou, C.; Mayatra, J.M.; Tobin, D.J. Beyond the Epidermal-Melanin-Unit: The Human Scalp Anagen Hair Bulb Is Home to Multiple Melanocyte Subpopulations of Variable Melanogenic Capacity. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 12809. Casalou, C.; Mayatra, J.M.; Tobin, D.J. Beyond the Epidermal-Melanin-Unit: The Human Scalp Anagen Hair Bulb Is Home to Multiple Melanocyte Subpopulations of Variable Melanogenic Capacity. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 12809.

Abstract

The visual appearance of humans derives significantly from our skin and hair color. While melanin from epidermal melanocytes protects our skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, the biological value of pigmentation in the hair follicle, particularly in the scalp, is less clear. In this study, we explore the heterogeneity of pigment cells in the human scalp anagen hair follicle bulb, a site conventionally viewed to be focused solely on pigment production for transfer to the hair shaft. Using c-KIT/CD117 microbeads, we isolated bulbar c-KIT-positive and c-KIT-negative melanocytes. While both subpopulations expressed MITF, only the c-KIT-positive fraction expressed SOX10. We further localized bulbar melanocyte subpopulations (expressing c-KIT, SOX10, MITF, and DCT) that exhibited distinct/variable expression of downstream differentiation-associated melanosome markers (e.g., gp100 and Melan-A). Localization of a second ‘immature’ SOX10 negative melanocyte population, which was c-KIT/MITF double positive, was identified outside of the melanogenic zone in the most peripheral/proximal matrix. These studies describe an approach to purifying human scalp anagen hair bulb melanocytes, allowing us to identify unexpected levels of melanocyte heterogeneity. The function of the more immature melanocytes in this part of the hair follicle remains to be elucidated. Could they be in-transit migratory cells destined to synthesize mela-nin ultimately or could they contribute to the hair follicle in non-melanogenic ways.

Keywords

Bulbar melanocytes; Hair Follicle (HF); Follicular-Melanin-Unit (FMU); Melanin; C-KIT; MITF; SOX10; Melan A

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Cell and Developmental Biology

Comments (0)

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 0


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.