14-3-3σ Is Required for Club Hair Retention

The study investigated the role of the 14-3-3σ gene in hair retention using Er/+ mice, which have a mutation in this gene. These mice exhibited severe alopecia starting around postnatal day 13, with hair loss and regrowth cycles. Histological examination revealed that the hair follicles in Er/+ mice had a thicker infundibular wall, dilated and plugged follicular ostia, and a reduction in anchoring protrusions in keratinized cells, leading to weakened hair shaft anchorage. The 14-3-3σ protein was found to be crucial for maintaining the physiology of companion cells that anchor the hair fiber. The findings suggested that 14-3-3σ is essential for proper hair retention, and its dysfunction leads to hair loss.