PTD-DBM
PTD-DBM (protein transduction domain, Dishevelled-binding motif)
A topical peptide that unblocks Wnt signaling in the scalp and stimulated hair regrowth and new follicle formation in mice; no human trial exists.
Overview
PTD-DBM fuses a cell-penetrating sequence to a motif that displaces the negative regulator CXXC5 from Dishevelled, releasing Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in hair follicle stem cells. In the 2017 Journal of Investigative Dermatology study, topical PTD-DBM, alone and with valproic acid, regrew hair and induced new follicles in wounded mouse skin. Korean cosmetic derivatives exist. No human efficacy or safety trial has been published, and sustained Wnt activation is a theoretical cancer concern.
Mechanism of action
Competitive disruption of the CXXC5-Dishevelled interaction, activating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in hair follicles.
Key studies & citations
- Animal2017
Targeting of CXXC5 by a competing peptide stimulates hair regrowth and wound-induced hair neogenesis
Topical PTD-DBM promoted hair regrowth and wound-induced follicle neogenesis in mice.
Journal of Investigative Dermatology - Animal2015
The Dishevelled-binding protein CXXC5 negatively regulates cutaneous wound healing
Establishes CXXC5 as the target that PTD-DBM displaces.
Journal of Experimental Medicine
Frequently asked questions
Does PTD-DBM beat minoxidil?
No trial has compared them in people. The evidence is a mouse study of regrowth and new follicle formation.