This Common Nutrient Could Be the Key to Faster Wound Healing

Published on 07 February 2026 SciTechDaily

Summary

Research reveals that low nutrient levels can cause hair follicle stem cells to halt hair production and aid skin repair. A decrease in the amino acid serine initiates this process, enhancing wound healing in human skin.

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Key Insights

How does low serine speed up wound healing?

Low levels of the amino acid serine activate the integrated stress response (ISR) in hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), causing them to prioritize skin repair over hair growth, which accelerates wound healing.

Sources: [1], [2]

What are hair follicle stem cells and their role in wound healing?

Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are self-renewing cells that normally regenerate hair follicles but switch to tissue regeneration for skin wound healing when stressed, such as by low serine levels.

Sources: [1], [2]