Sensitive Quantitative In Vivo Assay for Evaluating the Effects of Biomolecules on Hair Growth and Coloring Using Direct Microinjections into Mouse Whisker Follicles

Many people suffer from hair loss and abnormal skin pigmentation, highlighting the need for simple assays to support drug discovery research. Current have various limitations, such as being in vitro only, not sensitive enough, or unquantifiable. We took advantage of bilateral symmetry large size mouse whisker follicles develop a novel vivo assay called “whisker follicle microinjection assay”. In this assay, we plucked whiskers then injected molecules directly into one side using microneedles that were similar whiskers, solvent on other control. Once grew out again, quantitatively measured their length color intensity evaluate effects growth coloring. Several chemicals proteins used test assay. The minoxidil ruxolitinib, well protein RSPO1, promoted growth. effect clinical could be detected at concentration low 0.001%. chemical deoxyarbutin inhibited melanin production. Nbl1 was identified hair-growth inhibitor. conclusion, successfully established quantitative coloring regulator by This will useful when investigating functions developing drugs treat pigmentation.