What are exosomes?

Exosomes are powerful vectors of intercellular communication with a direct impact on the metabolism and behavior of target cells. These extracellular vesicles are at the heart of major biological processes and are of great interest in the areas of basic biology, health and therapeutic technologies, in particular regenerative medicine. In spite of this, there has been relatively little work on the role of exosomes on hair growth.

What is the link between exosomes and hair growth?

The original results obtained in joint work with the team of Prof. Aberdam has demonstrated intercellular communication between dermal fibroblasts and the dermal papilla, the “nerve center” of the hair follicle. Indeed, exosomes from fibroblasts stimulate the secretion of norrin, a ligand that activates the β-catenin pathway that is involved in hair growth.

What are the possible cosmetic applications for hair care?

Using biological models in vitro and ex vivo mimicking androgenetic alopecia, SILAB has developed HAIRGENYL^®, the only natural active ingredient on the market capable of acting on this newly discovered exosomal communication system between the dermis and the hair follicle to stimulate the regrowth of hair. These new data on the mechanism of action extend the findings from numerous tests already conducted on this natural ingredient with proven efficacy.

^[1] Le Riche A, Aberdam E, Marchand L, Frank E, Jahoda C, Petit I et al. Extracellular Vesicles from Activated Dermal Fibroblasts Stimulate Hair Follicle Growth Through Dermal Papilla-Secreted Norrin. Stem Cells 2019; 27:247.