# Restoration of Hair Luster via Novel Biomarker COL7A1 by Minoxidil, Caffeine, and Biotin

## TL;DR

This study identifies COL7A1 as a new biomarker for hair luster and shows that minoxidil, caffeine, and biotin can restore it.

## Contribution

The study introduces COL7A1 as a novel biomarker for hair luster and demonstrates its restoration using common hair care ingredients.

## Key findings

- UVB exposure consistently downregulated COL7A1 and other luster-related genes.
- Minoxidil, caffeine, and biotin restored COL7A1 and other gene expressions in hair models.
- COL7A1 is proposed as a new molecular marker for hair luster and potential therapeutic target.

## Abstract

Hair luster, a key component of visual hair quality, depends largely on the integrity of the cuticle. While cosmetic products offer temporarily enhanced luster, their effects are limited due to a poor understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we employed a UVB-induced mouse model of hair luster loss to identify differentially expressed genes via quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. Key candidate genes were subsequently validated in vitro using human hair follicle dermal papilla cells and in ex vivo human scalp hair follicle tissue models. Subsequently, we evaluated the effects of minoxidil, caffeine, and biotin on gene expression and luster restoration. UVB exposure suppressed several luster-related genes, with COL7A1 consistently downregulated across all models. Treatment with minoxidil, caffeine, and biotin restored the expression of COL7A1 along with KRTAP5-5, KRTAP5-4, TGM3, and PTK7. These findings highlight COL7A1 as a novel molecular marker for hair luster and support its modulation as a potential therapeutic strategy.