OnePin Peptide Library · Hair
PTD-DBM
PTD-DBM (Protein Transduction Domain - Dishevelled Binding Motif) is a synthetic fusion peptide developed by South Korean researchers (notably the Choi group at Yonsei University) for hair regrowth applications. The fusion combines a protein transduction domain (PTD) for cell membrane penetration with a Dishevelled Binding Motif (DBM) that disrupts the CXXC5-Dishevelled (Dvl) interaction. CXXC5 is an endogenous inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hair follicles - blocking the CXXC5-Dvl interaction de-represses Wnt signaling and stimulates hair follicle stem cells.
Apply to scalp after washing, leave on overnight. Combination with other hair therapies (minoxidil, finasteride, copper peptides) is common.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
PTD-DBM functions through Wnt/β-catenin pathway de-repression in hair follicles:
CXXC5 Inhibition
CXXC5 is a zinc-finger protein that binds Dishevelled (Dvl) and antagonizes Wnt signaling. In hair follicles, elevated CXXC5 expression contributes to androgenetic alopecia by suppressing Wnt-driven hair cycle activation.
DBM Domain
The Dishevelled Binding Motif competes with CXXC5 for Dvl binding - displacing CXXC5 from Dvl and freeing Wnt signaling to proceed normally.
Wnt/β-Catenin Activation
With CXXC5 inhibition removed, Wnt ligands (Wnt3a, Wnt5a, etc.) more effectively stabilize β-catenin in hair follicle stem cells. β-catenin nuclear translocation drives transcription of hair cycle genes.
PTD Penetration
The protein transduction domain (often based on HIV TAT or similar cell-penetrating sequences) enables PTD-DBM to cross keratinocyte membranes and reach hair follicle stem cells when applied topically.
Hair Cycle Re-Entry
Net effect is conversion of dormant (telogen-phase) hair follicles into active growth (anagen-phase). In androgenetic alopecia models, PTD-DBM treatment accelerates anagen entry and produces measurable hair density increase.
Topical Primary Route
Designed for topical scalp application. Systemic administration is uncommon and not the design intent.
What to expect
Weeks 1-4: minimal subjective change.
Weeks 4-12: reduced shedding, subtle thickness improvements.
Weeks 12-24: visible hair density increase if responsive.
Evidence
Interactions & stacking
What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.
Keep separate
Side effects & safety
Commonly reported
- Mild scalp irritation
- Mild scalp redness or tingling
Less common & notes
- Allergic reactions to peptide or formulation excipients.
- Long-term safety data limited to Korean clinical context.
- Wnt pathway activation theoretical concern in active malignancy (Wnt drives many cancers) - relative caution.
Pharmacokinetics
Storage. Refrigerate. Reconstituted topical formulations: 21-28 days.
Regulatory status
Not FDA-approved. Korean cosmeceutical and research-chemical context. Sold as research compound for off-label hair use.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open PTD-DBM straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
Open PTD-DBM in the app →Go deeper
The guide & community
The complete PTD-DBM walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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