Chen Ming Chuong, a researcher from the National Yang-Ming University and Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan has found an association between the patterns of hair with potential revocation of hair regeneration. Chen used a basic understanding that is follicle injury will greatly affect the hair regeneration. It is derived from his experience as a dermatologist for years.

“It is a good example of how basic research can lead to a work with potential translational value,” said Cheng-Ming Chuong, from the University of Southern California (USC). “The work leads to potential new targets for treating alopecia, a form of hair loss,” said Chuong.

The study began a couple of years ago when first author and visiting scholar Chih-Chiang Chen arrived at USC from National Yang-Ming University and Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan. As a dermatologist, Chen knew that hair follicle injury affects its adjacent environment, and the Chuong lab had already established that this environment in turn can influence hair regeneration.