Growth factors
Growth factors are proteins the body produces to carry instructions between cells. In the hair-follicle literature, several are studied in relation to the growth cycle. Two of them, from the fibroblast growth factor family, are the actives in OF·27.
FGF·7, also called keratinocyte growth factor, is described as a protein released by the dermal papilla that acts on the keratinocytes, the cells that build the hair shaft. FGF·2, basic fibroblast growth factor, is one of the most studied members of the family, involved widely in tissue biology. Both are proteins your body already makes. The versions in OF·27 are recombinant, grown in plant seed, as Note 06 describes.
That is the literature on the proteins. It is not a description of what OF·27 does in your scalp. The program cites one independent study of the FGF·2 active, Note 09, and makes no mechanism claim of its own.
There is a catch with growth factors, and it is practical. They are large, fragile molecules, and keeping them intact in a water-based formula is hard. That is the subject of the next Note.
What are FGF·2 and FGF·7?
Two fibroblast growth factors, signalling proteins the body produces, that the follicle-biology literature has studied for decades. OF·27 uses recombinant forms made in plant seed and makes no claim about what they do in the scalp.
What is keratinocyte growth factor?
Another name for FGF·7, described in the literature as a protein released by dermal papilla cells that acts on keratinocytes.
The notes, by email.
One note at a time, in reading order, and a message when a new one is published.
An independent hair-science program.
The protocol the notes describe: The OF·27 Protocol
OF·27 is marketed as a cosmetic and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.