Metformin, an Activator of AMPK, Promotes the Growth of Hair Follicles via the AMPK/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
- Author:
Hye Rim MOON
1
;
Ki Young PARK
;
Hyun Ji KANG
;
Woo Jin LEE
;
Chong Hyun WON
;
Sung Eun CHANG
;
Mi Woo LEE
;
Jee Ho CHOI
;
Gyeong Hun PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University, Ansan, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
AMP-activated protein kinase;
Beta catenin;
Hair;
Metformin
- MeSH:
Alopecia;
AMP-Activated Protein Kinases;
beta Catenin;
Cell Proliferation;
Energy Metabolism;
Hair Follicle;
Hair;
Humans;
In Vitro Techniques;
Metformin;
Organ Culture Techniques;
Pathologic Processes;
Phosphorylation;
Protein Kinases
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2019;57(4):175-181
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that plays a pivotal role in the balance of cellular energy metabolism. Recent studies have reported that AMPK has numerous roles in physiological conditions, and dysregulation of AMPK induces pathological processes and diseases. However, the role of AMPK and its activators have not yet been studied in the context of hair growth regulation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of metformin on dermal papilla (DP) and outer root sheath (ORS) cells, as well as the role of the AMPK pathway in hair growth. METHODS: We evaluated whether metformin, a well-known AMPK activator, had any beneficial effects on hair growth. In addition, to evaluate the molecular and cellular mechanisms that were involved, protein levels of AMPK and β-catenin were analyzed. RESULTS: Metformin increased the cellular proliferation of human DP and ORS cells. Ki-67 expression was also significantly increased after metformin treatment in the ex vivo hair follicle organ culture. Furthermore, DP and ORS cells treated with metformin had a significant increase in AMPK phosphorylation, which in turn suppressed β-catenin degradation and enhanced its nuclear accumulation. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that metformin promoted hair growth via the AMPK/β-catenin signaling pathway in vitro with DP and ORS cells. The hair-promoting effects of AMPK activators may potentially be used for the treatment of alopecia, and further investigation will be needed in the future.
