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The feasibility of targeted selective gene therapy of the hair follicle.
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Title
The feasibility of targeted selective gene therapy of the hair follicle.
Author
Li L, Hoffman RM
Address
AntiCancer Inc., San Diego, California 92111, USA.
Source
Nat Med, 1: 7, 1995 Jul, 705-6
Abstract
Loss of hair and hair colour is associated with ageing, and when it involves the scalp
hair, it can be distressing to both sexes. Hair loss resulting from cancer chemotherapy is
particularly distressing. However, safe, effective therapies directed to hair have only
just started to be developed. The hair follicle is a complex skin appendage composed of
epidermal and dermal tissue, with specialized keratinocytes, the hair matrix cells,
forming the hair shaft. Specific therapy of the hair follicle depends on selective
targeting of specific cells of the hair follicle. We have developed the histoculture of
intact hair-growing skin on sponge-gel matrices. We have recently found in histocultured
skin that liposomes can selectively target hair follicles to deliver both small and large
molecules. That liposomes can target the hair follicle for delivery has been confirmed
independently. Two decades ago we introduced the technique of entrapping DNA in liposomes
for use in gene therapy. In this report we describe the selective targeting of the lacZ
reporter gene to the hair follicles in mice after topical application of the gene
entrapped in liposomes. These results demonstrate that highly selective, safe gene therapy
for the hair process is feasible.
Language of Publication
English
Unique Identifier
96071536
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