How chronic stress leads to hair loss (IMAGE) Harvard University Caption Underneath the hair follicle, dermal papilla cells (green) produce the Gas6 molecule that activates hair follicle stem cells. This pathway is impacted by chronic stress. Credit Hsu Laboratory, Harvard University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.