Establishment of SV40T-transformed human dermal papilla cells and identification of dihydrotestosterone-regulated genes by cDNA microarray

Background: Recent studies suggest that androgens are the main regulator of changes in human hair growth, and dermal papilla (DP) is known to secret factors which regulate the growth and activity of the cells in the follicle in response to androgens. However, published data of androgen-regulated genes in human dermal papilla cells is limited and genome-wide large scale screening has not been reported. Objective: To identify the dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-regulated genes in human dermal papilla cells. Methods: SV40T-transformed human dermal papilla cell line (SV40T-DPC) was established and DHT-regulated genes were screened by cDNA microarray analysis. Results: SV40T-DPC maintained early passage morphology and expressed functional androgen receptors. cDNA microarray followed by RT-PCR analysis showed that a number of genes are regulated by DHT in SV40T-DPC. Conclusion: The DHT-regulated genes reported in this study may be involved in androgen-mediated regulation of hair growth.