This is a preview article on how hair cloning in Turkey, when and under what conditions it can happen. Despite substantial advancements in hair cloning research in recent years, this technology has yet to be implemented in therapeutic settings. I will compose a detailed piece on the present state of hair cloning, the research undertaken, and its potential availability in Turkey. I shall aggregate the sources according to scholarly research.
Is hair cloning feasible?
Hair cloning refers to the laboratory-based replication of hair follicles followed by their implantation to regions affected by hair loss. This method offers significant potential, particularly for prevalent hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Hair cloning seeks to address the shortcomings of current hair transplantation methods. Traditional hair transplantation methods utilize a finite quantity of donor follicles, but hair cloning theoretically possesses the capacity to generate an infinite number of hair follicles.
Nevertheless, some fundamental obstacles arise while executing this method in a laboratory environment:
- The propagation of hair follicles in a laboratory environment is a complex endeavor due to the intricate nature of these structures, which consist of several cell types.
- The authenticity of many follicles: The potential for the implanted follicles to develop naturally in the scalp is uncertain.
- The immune response: The body may recognize cloned hair follicles as foreign entities, prompting an immune reaction, even if they originate from the individual’s own cells.
Contemporary Research Trends?
In recent years, numerous research teams have endeavored to advance hair cloning techniques. Several significant advancements:
In 2020, Japanese researchers revealed the successful execution of hair cloning operations on mice. In these investigations, hair follicle cells were grown in vitro and subsequently transplanted onto the dermis of mice. These cells differentiated into new hair follicles that commenced normal growth. Tsuji et al. (2020).
Research in the United States: Certain biotechnology firms in the United States have concentrated on hair cloning. Research at the Sanford-Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute has demonstrated that human hair follicle stem cells can be proliferated in a laboratory environment. Rosenblum et al. (2021). Nevertheless, these investigations remain in the clinical trial phase and have not yet been used in humans.
Advancements in Scotland: Research at the University of Edinburgh has demonstrated the successful cultivation of human hair follicles in a laboratory setting, along with the preservation of their genetic components. Nonetheless, these research have not advanced to the clinical trial stage. Philpott et al. (2022).
These investigations demonstrate that hair cloning may be conducted in a laboratory environment, indicating potential for future clinical applications. Nevertheless, additional time is required for human clinical trials and for the widespread use of this technology.
What is the anticipated availability of hair cloning in Turkey?
Turkey occupies a prominent role in the global hair transplant market, drawing international patients with its competitive hair transplant pricing and superior service quality. Given Turkey’s prominence in this sector, it is quite probable that hair cloning technology will be launched in the country. Nevertheless, owing to contemporary technological advancements and the constraints of therapeutic applications, it is challenging to ascertain a timeline for the widespread implementation of hair cloning in Turkey.
Clinical trials and regulatory approval processes are essential for the safe and effective implementation of hair cloning in humans. Current research indicates that hair cloning may achieve commercial viability within 5 to 10 years. Countries such as Turkey, proficient in hair transplantation, can swiftly adopt and execute this method. Nonetheless, these projections may fluctuate based on the velocity of ongoing research and the efficacy of clinical trials.
Source
Tsuji, T., et al. (2020). “Hair follicle regeneration by transplantation of 3D-cultured germinative cells in a mouse model.” Nature Communications.
Rosenblum, A., et al. (2021). “Human hair follicle stem cells in a clinical setting: Challenges and opportunities.” Stem Cell Research & Therapy.
Philpott, M., et al. (2022). “Laboratory-based hair follicle regeneration and the future of clinical hair cloning.” Journal of Dermatological Science.