Chinese Journal of Dermatology ›› 2025, Vol. 58 ›› Issue (2): 182-185.doi: 10.35541/cjd.20230153

• Reviews • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Roles of melanocyte stem cells in hair follicles in hair graying

Wang Feng, Xia Rushan    

  1. Department of Dermatology, the Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi 214000, Jiangsu, China
  • Received:2023-03-20 Revised:2024-08-20 Online:2025-02-15 Published:2025-02-07
  • Contact: Xia Rushan E-mail:wxeyxrs@163.com

Abstract: 【Abstract】 Hair graying is a common phenomenon associated with aging, and the excessive differentiation of melanocyte stem cells in hair follicles has gradually gained attention for its role in the occurrence and development of hair graying. The cyclical nature of hair follicles provides an excellent model for studying stem cells. With the continuous development of mouse models and cell transplantation technologies, the understanding of hair graying and aging has been steadily deepening, though many questions remain unanswered. This review focuses on the origins and biological characteristics of melanocyte stem cells and their related signaling pathways. It further explains the relationship between melanocyte stem cells and hair graying, as well as the role of some drugs in hair repigmentation.

Key words: Hair follicle, Stem cells, Melanocytes, Hair graying, Signal transducing pathway, Hair repigmentation