Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing trichogenicity of cells in culture are provided. One embodiment provides culturing dissociated mammalian dermal cells in vitro in the presence of an effective amount of one or more sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway agonists to increase the trichogenicity of the dissociated mammalian dermal cells compared to untreated dissociated mammalian dermal cells. The cell culture optionally includes epidermal cells. Preferred Shh agonists include, but are not limited to CUR-0236715 and CUR-0201365 available from Curis, Inc. Trichogenicity is measured using the Aderans Hair Patch Assay™. The cultured dermal cells can be maintained in culture in the presence of the one or more Shh agonists for at least 1 to 7 or more days prior to harvest. The treated, cultured dermal cells can be used to treat hair loss in a mammalian subject, preferably a human, by implanting them in an effective amount to induce hair follicle formation.

Abstract: Methods for increasing trichogenic activity of populations of dermal cells by inducing local trauma to skin tissue that serves as a source of the dermal cells are provided. Methods for obtaining dermal cells with increased trichogenic activity and for using the disclosed dermal cells to implant into a mammalian host at a site of desired follicle generation are also provided.

Abstract: Biomarkers for identifying trichogenic cells have been identified. The biomarkers include microRNA as wells as mRNA and proteins. Certain biomarkers are upregulated in trichogenic cells compared to non-trichogenic cells; whereas, other biomarkers are down-regulated in trichogenic cells compared to non-trichogenic cells. The cells can be dermal cells, epidermal cells, or a combination thereof. Preferably the cells are mammalian, more preferably the cells are human. One embodiment provides a method for selecting trichogenic cells by assaying the cells for expression of one or more biomarkers for trichogenicity, and selecting the cells having increased expression of the one or more biomarkers relative to a control, wherein increased expression of the a biomarker in the cells is indicative of trichogenicity.

Abstract: Methods for increasing trichogenic activity of populations of dermal cells by inducing local trauma to skin tissue that serves as a source of the dermal cells are provided. Methods for obtaining dermal cells with increased trichogenic activity and for using the disclosed dermal cells to implant into a mammalian host at a site of desired follicle generation are also provided.