PTD-DBM

Peptide Transduction Domain-Dishevelled Binding Motif

Rank#999
Skin & HairNot ApprovedPreclinicalResearchTopical

Popular for:Hair growth, androgenetic alopecia, Wnt pathway activation, topical hair peptide

4

Total Studies

3

Human Studies

Preclinical

Evidence Level

Not Approved

FDA Status

Overview

PTD-DBM is a cell-penetrating peptide developed by researchers at Yonsei University in South Korea. It promotes hair growth by targeting the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway — specifically by inhibiting CXXC5, a negative regulator that normally suppresses hair follicle neogenesis.

The 2017 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology demonstrated that PTD-DBM could stimulate new hair follicle formation (not just maintenance of existing follicles) in mouse models, which is exceptionally rare for any hair loss treatment. Most hair loss treatments slow loss or maintain existing hair — PTD-DBM showed actual new follicle generation.

Mechanism of Action

PTD-DBM disrupts the interaction between CXXC5 protein and Dishevelled (Dvl), a key mediator in the Wnt signaling cascade. CXXC5 normally acts as a brake on Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in hair follicle stem cells. By blocking CXXC5-Dvl binding, PTD-DBM releases this brake, activating Wnt signaling and promoting hair follicle stem cell differentiation and new follicle formation. The cell-penetrating peptide domain allows it to enter cells when applied topically.

Key Research Benefits

Stimulates new hair follicle formation (not just maintenance)
Targets Wnt pathway — fundamental hair growth signaling
Topical application — no systemic side effects expected
Published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology (2017)
Complementary mechanism to finasteride/minoxidil

Clinical Evidence Summary

Research Pipeline

Preclinical
Animal
Phase I
Phase II
Phase III
Approved

4

Total Studies

3

Human Studies

Not FDA-approved. Pre-clinical research compound. Key study: Lee et al., Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2017. No large-scale human trials. Available from some research peptide vendors for topical use.

Key Studies / PubMed References

Revolutionary Approaches to Hair Regrowth: Follicle Neogenesis, Wnt/ß-Catenin Signaling, and Emerging Therapies.

Review

Mehta A, Motavaf M, Raza D, et al. · Cells · 2025

PMID: 40497955

CXXC5 Mediates DHT-Induced Androgenetic Alopecia via PGD.

Review

Ryu YC, Park J, Kim YR, et al. · Cells · 2023

PMID: 36831222

Adhesive Hydrogel Patch-Mediated Combination Drug Therapy Induces Regenerative Wound Healing through Reconstruction of Regenerative Microenvironment.

In Vitro

Lee SH, An S, Ryu YC, et al. · Advanced healthcare materials · 2023

PMID: 36854308

The Dishevelled-binding protein CXXC5 negatively regulates cutaneous wound healing.

In Vitro

Lee SH, Kim MY, Kim HY, et al. · The Journal of experimental medicine · 2015

PMID: 26056233

Side Effects & Safety

Very limited human safety data
Scalp irritation at application site possible
Long-term effects unknown
Efficacy in humans not yet established at scale

Known Interactions

No curated interaction entry is live for PTD-DBM yet.

Until the interaction table is fully populated, use the interaction checker and related peptides below to explore adjacent compounds and likely research pairings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Research Disclaimer

This page is for research and educational purposes only. The information presented is based on published scientific literature and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. PTD-DBM is not approved by the FDA for human therapeutic use. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions. The studies referenced are linked to their original PubMed sources for verification.