Single-cell transcriptomics reveals natural product Shi-Bi-Man promotes hair regeneration

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the mechanism of SBM to promote hair regeneration through single-cell transcriptomics Methods: Supplementation with intragastric administration or smear administration of SBM in artificially shaved C57BL/6 mice to observe its hair growth. Single-cell RNA sequencing were performed to explore the role of SBM for hair regeneration. Results: SBM significantly induced hair growth compared with control treatment.The results of single-cell sequencing revealed that after SBM treatment, the number of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) and dermal papilla cells (DPCs) increased significantly. Cell interactions and volcano maps show that interaction of FGF signaling pathway was significantly enhanced, in which FGF7 expression was especially upregulated in DPCs. In addition, Wnt signaling pathway also had a partially enhanced effect on the interactions between various cells in the skin. Network pharmacology study showed that the promotion of FGF and Wnt pathways by SBM was also enriched in alopecia diseases. Conclusion: We report that SBM has a potential effect on the promotion of hair growth by mainly activating FGF signaling pathway. The use of SBM may be a novel therapeutic option for hair loss.

Molecular mechanism of natural product Shi-Bi-Man promoting hair growth