Sustainability of functional hair follicle activity: Impact of spatially anchored multifunctional tetrahedral framework nucleic acids
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Alopecia is a physical and mental health problem affecting all age groups, aesthetically or psychologically. Among its subtypes, androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent. This androgen-dependent, polygenic disease is hereditary and can occur as early as adolescence. Currently available therapies remain largely palliative and are often accompanied by adverse side effects. Here, we constructed a multifunctional system based on tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs), in which quercetin was embedded within tFNAs to form a complex termed tFNAs-Que (TQC). We performed multimodal analysis, combined with transcriptomic analysis, to explore the activation and sustainable changes in the hair follicle cycle after TQC treatment. Our results showed that TQC maintained the stability of the epithelial structure and enhanced the regeneration of functional hair follicles by regulating both hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and dermal papilla cells (DPCs). Additionally, we identified a catalytic role of tFNAs. Overall, this study developed a dual-regulated nucleic acid nanoparticle, opening up new avenues for clinical translation in activating, stabilizing, and sustaining the hair cycle. • TFNA-quercetin nanodrug halts androgenetic alopecia and regrows follicles. • Dual action rescues both hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells in bald skin. • Transcriptomic analysis reveals sustained hair-cycle activation by the treatment. • Safe, needle-free topical therapy in mouse alopecia model.
Source: Bioactive Materials
Authors: Ran Yan, Weitong Cui, Xingyu Cheng, Jiajie Li, Yunfeng Lin
Institutions: Sichuan University, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases
Language: English
Topic: Hair Growth and Disorders
Subfield: Urology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,200
OpenAlex ID: W4416910669