A recent study published in the journal PNAS revealed that slow wound healing in some individuals is linked to a defect in the MC1R gene, known for its role in red hair. This gene also affects the skin's ability to regenerate.
Analysis of thousands of cells from chronic wounds has shown that a defective POMC-MC1R axis increases inflammation and impairs wound healing. In individuals with partially or completely deactivated MC1R, tissue regeneration is significantly slower. Experiments in mice have shown that 95% of red-haired mice require a week or more to heal, while dark-haired mice recover much more quickly.
To test a potential treatment, researchers developed a cream containing a selective MC1R receptor activator. Using this cream on mice yielded remarkable results: accelerated wound healing, reduced inflammation, improved angiogenesis, and lessened skin scarring. However, the cream only worked in mice with partially activated MC1R receptors and did not benefit mice with the gene completely inactive.
Because MC1R agonists have been used previously in medicine and have a good safety record, researchers hope this approach will soon become a treatment available for people with chronic wounds.
