Molecular & Cellular Biology
Deep Dive
Epigenetics of Hair Aging: How Gene Expression Changes Over Time
See how aging alters gene activity in follicles and what that means for hair thinning prevention.
Source: Aging CellPublished on: October 25, 2024
Abstract in Plain English
Hair doesn’t just gray with age — it changes at the molecular level. Researchers in Aging Cell (2024) analyzed 200 scalp biopsies to study how epigenetic changes silence growth-related genes over time.
Key Findings
- Methylation increased on genes controlling cell proliferation and pigment production.
- Older follicles had less active Wnt signaling.
- Antioxidant pathways declined, increasing oxidative damage.
- Reversing methylation experimentally restored limited pigment and density.
Why It Matters
Epigenetic aging explains why even healthy individuals lose hair density over decades. Targeted “epigenetic reprogramming” could help maintain youthful follicles longer.
Study Limitations
The experimental reversal of methylation was temporary and not yet viable for human treatment.
Citation & Review Team
Full Citation
Patel V. et al., Aging Cell, 2024.Review Team
Author: Student Editor
Fact-Checker: Dermatology Researcher
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.