Estrogen receptor modulators for hair follicle growth regulation
Explore natural ingredients that modulate hair follicle growth through selective estrogen receptor modulation. This innovative approach uses high-throughput assays to assess receptor interactions and steroidogenesis, providing insights for novel hair care products.
Overview
This research focuses on the modulation of hair follicle growth through selective agonism and antagonism of estrogen receptors alpha and beta, as well as interactions with androgen, progesterone, and glucocorticoid receptors. By examining the effects of natural ingredients on these pathways, the study aims to discover novel hair care products that effectively regulate hair growth. This approach leverages Penn State University's expertise in steroid receptor signaling and drug examination to provide insights into the therapeutic benefits of these compounds.
Technical specifications
The research utilizes sensitive reporter cell lines to evaluate the activation and inhibition of ERA, ERB, AR, PGR, and GR receptors. High-throughput assays are employed to measure these interactions, alongside the examination of steroidogenesis in H295R cells. The study involves cell-based reporter assays with client-specific study plans, analyzing efficacy and potency through fold-change and EC50 metrics. This comprehensive evaluation is supported by quantitative ELISA to measure estradiol and testosterone production, ensuring results are compared with known endocrine modulators.
Technology readiness level
This technology is at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in a relevant environment. The approach is ready for further development and optimization in partnership with interested clients.
About Penn State University
Penn State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university with a large multi‑campus footprint across Pennsylvania. Industry engages through a research and technology park adjacent to the flagship campus that houses corporate R&D, co‑located labs, and flexible collaboration space, as well as a statewide extension network that enables field testing, demonstration, and workforce reach. Integration with a major hospital system supports clinical translation, and an applied research laboratory fosters mission‑driven partnerships with government and industry sponsors. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, DOE, USDA, DoD, and NASA. A dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation to accelerate commercialization.
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