Scientists uncover the ancient biological mechanism behind hair loss and it could lead to new treatments READ MORE: How modern life is 'making men lose their hair earlier' By Xantha Leatham For The Daily Mail Published: 19:00 BST, 20 June 2024 | Updated: 19:00 BST, 20 June 2024 e-mail View comments Hair loss affects around 85 per cent of men by the time they reach middle-age, and there's not much anyone can do to stop it. But now, scientists have uncovered an ancient biological mechanism that triggers a stress response in hair follicle cells, leading to restricted hair growth. And, as a result, they say they could be one step closer for a treatment for hair loss.
The team, from the University of Manchester, unexpectedly discovered the link in a lab experiment where they were testing a drug to see if it boosted human scalp hair follicles in a dish. Analysis revealed that when a mechanism called Integrated Stress Response (ISR) was over-activated, it had a negative impact on hair growth. The team, from the University of Manchester, unexpectedly discovered the link in a lab experiment where they were testing a drug to see if it boosted human scalp hair follicles in a dish This response is important as it allows cells to put a brake on regular activities when they are stressed, becoming partially dormant to adapt and deal with the strain.
A hair follicle cell may become stressed, for example, as it ages and becomes less able to properly produce protein. If the ISR is overactivate.