MC1R Activation – Hair Pigmentation & Gray Hair Reversal
Understanding MC1R
and Hair Graying
MC1R (Melanocortin 1 Receptor) is a key receptor protein found on melanocytes — the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives hair, skin, and eyes their color.
With age, stress, genetics, or environmental factors, MC1R signaling often declines. This reduction leads to decreased melanin production in hair follicles, resulting in progressive graying or whitening of hair. Variants in the MC1R gene are well known to influence hair color and are associated with premature graying.
Activating MC1R can stimulate melanin synthesis pathways, potentially restoring natural hair pigmentation and reversing or slowing the graying process.
The Role of MC1R Activation
Activating MC1R promotes the production of eumelanin (dark pigment), which is responsible for natural hair color.
This approach has strong potential to:
+ Restore original hair pigmentation
+ Delay or reverse gray hair formation
+ Improve hair follicle health and pigmentation quality
Our Research Approach
We are focusing on the discovery of novel MC1R activators using our proprietary platform:
High-Throughput Screening (HTS)
for Small-Molecule Activators
Using our advanced GFP-based promoter-reporter assays in human cell cultures, we screen thousands of natural and synthetic compounds to identify potent activators of MC1R gene expression and signaling.
This platform enables us to discover promising nutraceutical or pharmaceutical candidates that can safely stimulate melanin production in hair follicles.
Partnership Opportunities
We offer licensing of discovered compounds, custom research, and technology transfer for all three approaches.
HTS Screening Project: Start at $40,000 – $150,000 + 5% royalty
Gene Therapy Development: Custom pricing (typically $1M – $2M) + 5% royalty
Full technology transfer and offshore lab setup available
Head Office
Tampa
Florida, US
Call Now
312-730-2562
786-307-1256
Email Us
dr.nikolic@ufl.edu