Mechanical stretch induces hair regeneration through the alternative activation of macrophages

Szu-Ying Chu, Chih-Hung Chou, Hsien-Da Huang, Meng-Hua Yen, Hsiao-Chin Hong, Po-Han Chao, Yu-Hsuan Wang, Po-Yu Chen, Shi-Xin Nian, Yu-Ru Chen, Li-Ying Liou, Yu-Chen Liu, Hui-Mei Chen, Feng-Mao Lin, Yun-Ting Chang, Chih-Chiang Chen () and Oscar K. Lee ()
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Szu-Ying Chu: Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Chih-Hung Chou: National Chiao Tung University
Hsien-Da Huang: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Meng-Hua Yen: National Chin-Yi University of Technology
Hsiao-Chin Hong: National Chiao Tung University
Po-Han Chao: National Yang-Ming University
Yu-Hsuan Wang: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Po-Yu Chen: Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Shi-Xin Nian: Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Yu-Ru Chen: National Yang-Ming University
Li-Ying Liou: Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Yu-Chen Liu: National Chiao Tung University
Hui-Mei Chen: National Chiao Tung University
Feng-Mao Lin: National Chiao Tung University
Yun-Ting Chang: Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Chih-Chiang Chen: Taipei Veterans General Hospital
Oscar K. Lee: National Yang-Ming University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Tissues and cells in organism are continuously exposed to complex mechanical cues from the environment. Mechanical stimulations affect cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration, as well as determining tissue homeostasis and repair. By using a specially designed skin-stretching device, we discover that hair stem cells proliferate in response to stretch and hair regeneration occurs only when applying proper strain for an appropriate duration. A counterbalance between WNT and BMP-2 and the subsequent two-step mechanism are identified through molecular and genetic analyses. Macrophages are first recruited by chemokines produced by stretch and polarized to M2 phenotype. Growth factors such as HGF and IGF-1, released by M2 macrophages, then activate stem cells and facilitate hair regeneration. A hierarchical control system is revealed, from mechanical and chemical signals to cell behaviors and tissue responses, elucidating avenues of regenerative medicine and disease control by demonstrating the potential to manipulate cellular processes through simple mechanical stimulation.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09402-8

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