PTD-DBM and Research Involving Hair Growth

by | Sep 14, 2022 | Research

PTD-DBM peptide has been suggested to promote Wnt/Beta-catenin signaling by inhibiting CXXC5 binding to Disheveled (Dvl), an upstream component of the Wnt/-catenin pathway. Protein Transduction Domain-fused Disheveled Binding Motif (PTD-DBM) is a synthetic peptide that appears to work in conjunction with CXXC5. This hair loss-linked endogenous protein may act as a negative feedback modulator of the Wnt/-catenin pathway.

PTD-DBM Peptide Overview

CXXC5 appears to act as a reversible modulator on the Wnt/-catenin nerve tract, which is involved in wound healing and hair regrowth. It is known as “the hair loss catalytic enzyme”. CXXC5 forms a bond with the Dvl protein, which may inhibit hair regeneration and follicle development. PTD-DBM has been hypothesized to prevent CXXC5 from binding to the disheveled protein. It may act as a negative modulator of the entire process.[1] If PTD-DBM prevents CXXC5 from becoming a disheveled protein, the Wnt/-catenin pathway may be activated, inducing hair follicle regrowth and wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis. PTD-DBM is suggested to inhibit the activities of enzymes and hormones that shrink follicles, gradually restoring the strands at the stem cell level. PTD-DBM peptide may prevent follicle volume loss while stimulating the formation of new cavities for follicle growth.

 

PTD-DBM and Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic Alopecia is characterized by the regression of follicle loss in the vertex. It may progress and induce total follicle loss. The anagen, catagen, and telogen phase are the three stages of follicle growth. The anagen phase may be shortened due to androgen hypersecretion, specifically testosterone. It may induce follicle growth to thin and shed, and the anagen phase may last only a few months.

The most crucial cellular pathway that is considered to regulate follicle growth is the Wnt/-catenin pathway. Wnt proteins are released, which may bind to the LDL-related protein LRP, deactivating glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). GSK-3 appears to inhibit -catenin’s actions in the hair follicle.

According to Professor Kang-Yell Choi’s research, CXXC-type zinc finger protein 5 (CXXC5) may be expressed aggressively in cases of Alopecia.[3] CXXC5 appear to inhibit the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway. CXXC5 may accomplish this by binding to the Dvl protein, hindering the growth and development of both new and existing follicles.

By inhibiting the actions of CXXC5 and Dvl protein, PTD-DBM may potentially reduce the prevalence of androgenetic alopecia, resulting in increased follicle growth and the anagen phase of the growth cycle. PTD-DBM potential actions may result in positive impact; when the peptide is in symbiosis with valproic acid, its potency has been suggested to increase.

 

PTD-DBM and Tissue Repair

The Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway is considered to be essential for wound healing and skin break fibrosis. The CXXC5 may regulate it via a negative feedback mechanism. The CXXC5 appears to bind to the Disheveled (Dvl) protein, inhibiting the Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway. Inhibiting CXXC5 activities in mice appears to promote wound healing by stimulating collagen and keratin synthesis, specifically skin wound healing.[2] Furthermore, PTD-DBM has been suggested to inhibit the CXXC5-Dvl domain’s actions by preventing protein-to-protein interactions between CXXC5 and Dvl proteins. As a result, the Wnt/-catenin pathway may become more active, inducing collagen and keratin synthesis and increased dermal fibrosis.

 

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References


  1. Lee, S. H., Seo, S. H., Lee, D. H., Pi, L. Q., Lee, W. S., & Choi, K. Y. (2017). Targeting of CXXC5 by a Competing Peptide Stimulates Hair Regrowth and Wound-Induced Hair Neogenesis. The Journal of investigative dermatology, 137(11), 2260–2269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jid.2017.04.038
  2. Lee SH, Kim MY, Kim HY, Lee YM, Kim H, Nam KA, Roh MR, Min do S, Chung KY, Choi KY. The Dishevelled-binding protein CXXC5 negatively regulates cutaneous wound healing. J Exp Med. 2015 Jun 29;212(7):1061-80. doi: 10.1084/jem.20141601. Epub 2015 Jun 8. PMID: 26056233; PMCID: PMC4493411.
  3. Ryu YC, Lee DH, Shim J, Park J, Kim YR, Choi S, Bak SS, Sung YK, Lee SH, Choi KY. KY19382, a novel activator of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, promotes hair regrowth and hair follicle neogenesis. Br J Pharmacol. 2021 Jun;178(12):2533-2546. doi: 10.1111/bph.15438. Epub 2021 May 5. PMID: 33751552; PMCID: PMC8251890.
  4. Rahman M, Nguyen H. Valproic Acid. [Updated 2022 Jul 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559112/