Quick summary
PTD-DBM is a synthetic research peptide that reactivates Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in hair follicles by disrupting the CXXC5-Dishevelled interaction. In mouse studies it produced hair regrowth comparable to minoxidil, with enhanced results when combined with valproic acid.
Overview
PTD-DBM is a synthetic 25-amino-acid research peptide developed by Professor Kang-Yell Choi's lab at Yonsei University. It contains a protein transduction domain (PTD) fused to a dishevelled-binding motif (DBM) and functions by disrupting the inhibitory CXXC5–Dishevelled protein interaction to reactivate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in hair follicles. It has been studied topically and in combination with valproic acid for androgenetic alopecia and wound-induced hair neogenesis in rodent models.
Mechanism of action
CXXC5 is a zinc-finger protein that acts as a negative feedback regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by binding Dishevelled (Dvl), an upstream scaffold protein. Elevated CXXC5 expression in the balding scalp suppresses follicle regeneration by blocking Wnt target gene transcription. PTD-DBM contains an eight-arginine PTD sequence (RRRRRRRR) that enables membrane transduction and penetration into follicular cells, fused to a DBM segment (RKTGHQICKFRK) that competitively displaces CXXC5 from Dvl. Releasing this brake reactivates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, driving hair follicle stem cell proliferation, anagen phase extension, and wound-induced hair neogenesis. Combined treatment with valproic acid, a GSK-3β inhibitor that further amplifies Wnt/β-catenin signaling, produces additive hair regrowth in murine models.
Dosing protocols
| Purpose | Route | Dosage | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| preclinical hair follicle regeneration research | topical | 1–5 mg | daily | Used in rodent studies as topical solution, typically 1–5 mg/mL dissolved in DMSO/PBS. Human dosing not established. |
Dosing information is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide.
Research summary
Yonsei University preclinical studies published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (Choi et al.) demonstrated that topical PTD-DBM alone produced visible hair regrowth in C57BL/6 mice at levels comparable to minoxidil. Combined PTD-DBM plus valproic acid produced significantly greater hair follicle neogenesis than either agent alone, with new hair follicle counts exceeding vehicle control by over 2-fold. As of 2026, no human clinical trials have been published. A subsequent 2023 PMC study confirmed CXXC5 overexpression in androgenetic alopecia scalp biopsies, supporting target relevance in human disease.[1][2][3]
Evidence grading
Each claimed benefit is graded by the strength of available evidence. Grades reflect study quality, not effect size.
Strong = multiple RCTs · Moderate = limited trials or observational · Preliminary = animal or in vitro only · Insufficient = anecdotal or no published data
Side effects
Side effects vary by individual. This is not an exhaustive list. Report unusual symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Common stacks
Peptides commonly paired with PTD-DBM for synergistic effects.
Legal status
Not approved for human therapeutic use in any jurisdiction. Available from research chemical suppliers for in vitro and animal study purposes only. No regulatory pathway currently open for human use.
Sourcing & access
Research compound
PTD-DBM is classified as a research compound. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. Always verify current legal status and source from vendors providing third-party certificates of analysis (COA).
Frequently asked questions
PTD-DBM is a synthetic research peptide developed at Yonsei University that contains a protein transduction domain fused to a dishevelled-binding motif. It was designed to reactivate the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in hair follicles for androgenetic alopecia research.
CXXC5 protein acts as a brake on Wnt signaling by binding Dishevelled (Dvl). PTD-DBM competitively displaces CXXC5 from Dvl, reactivating Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. This drives hair follicle stem cell proliferation, anagen phase extension, and wound-induced hair neogenesis.
The safety profile in humans has not been established. Animal studies report local skin irritation as the primary observed effect. No human clinical trials have been published as of 2026, and PTD-DBM is available only as a research chemical.
In preclinical mouse studies, topical PTD-DBM alone produced visible hair regrowth at levels comparable to minoxidil. Combined with valproic acid (a GSK-3beta inhibitor), new hair follicle counts exceeded vehicle control by over 2-fold, surpassing either agent alone.