Platelet-derived extracellular vesicles promote hair follicle growth through β-catenin signaling pathway
Creators: name: Wang, Lei
name: Huang, Yiwen
name: Wu, Yajuan
name: Huang, Yuanbo
name: Lu, Zhou
name: Wu, Panyu
name: Meng, Shuo
name: Tian, Tian
name: Cao, Lei
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Medicine
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Neuroscience
subject: Physiology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Chemical Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Hematology

description: The application of platelet concentrates such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of hair loss is impeded by the absence of standardized preparation protocols and storage conditions. Providing off-the-shelf controlled product methods and inheriting regenerative function of platelets, platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs) can be a promising alternative to surpass platelet concentrates limitations. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PEVs on cultured dermal papilla cells (DPCs) and hair follicles (HFs) in animal model. PEVs were prepared from fresh apheresis platelets and characterized. Their impact on the proliferation and migration of DPCs was explored. After subcutaneous administration of PEVs in a mouse model of depilation-induced hair regeneration, we observed the accelerated transition of HFs from the telogen to the anagen phase, and found the β-catenin signaling pathway was involved. These results indicate that PEVs activate DPCs and promote HF growth effectively. The PEVs from apheresis platelets offer a robust alternative for the treatment of hair loss. <b>What is the context?</b> Hair loss is a common problem that can lower quality of life and cause emotional stress. Current treatments, like medications and hair transplants, may have side effects and can be expensive. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a treatment made from a patient’s own blood, is popular but lacks standardized methods and isn’t suitable for everyone. Researchers are looking for better options. Hair loss is a common problem that can lower quality of life and cause emotional stress. Current treatments, like medications and hair transplants, may have side effects and can be expensive. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a treatment made from a patient’s own blood, is popular but lacks standardized methods and isn’t suitable for everyone. Researchers are looking for better options. <b>What is new?</b> This study tested a new treatment called platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs). PEVs are tiny particles from platelets that contain growth factors to help repair and regenerate tissues. Unlike PRP, PEVs are easier to standardize and store, and they work for more people. Researchers extracted PEVs from platelets and tested them on hair follicle cells and mice. They found that PEVs play a positive role in promoting hair growth by activating a key growth pathway called β-catenin. This study tested a new treatment called platelet-derived extracellular vesicles (PEVs). PEVs are tiny particles from platelets that contain growth factors to help repair and regenerate tissues. Unlike PRP, PEVs are easier to standardize and store, and they work for more people. Researchers extracted PEVs from platelets and tested them on hair follicle cells and mice. They found that PEVs play a positive role in promoting hair growth by activating a key growth pathway called β-catenin. <b>What is the impact?</b> PEVs could be a safe and effective way to treat hair loss. This study shows that PEVs could become a new treatment option, giving hope to those struggling with hair loss. PEVs could be a safe and effective way to treat hair loss. This study shows that PEVs could become a new treatment option, giving hope to those struggling with hair loss.