Perspectives on Hair Evolution Based on Comparative Studies on Vertebrate Cornification

June 2012 in “ Journal of experimental zoology. Part B, Molecular and developmental evolution ”

Lorenzo Alibardi

Studysummary This review explores theories on the evolution of hair from synapsid scales and glands, proposing mechanisms supported by comparative studies, but reports no new experimental findings.

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Research cited in this study

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research Ultrastructural Localization of Hair Keratin Homologs in the Claw of the Lizard Anolis Carolinensis

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research Differential Sensitivity of Epidermal Cell Subpopulations to Beta-Catenin-Induced Ectopic Hair Follicle Formation

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research The Keratins of the Human Beard Hair Medulla: The Riddle in the Middle

87 citations , July 2009 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

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research Evolution of Hard Proteins in the Sauropsid Integument in Relation to the Cornification of Skin Derivatives in Amniotes

86 citations , April 2009 in “Journal of anatomy”

This paper reviews the evolution of skin appendages and keratin-associated proteins among amniotes, proposing a model for their genetic divergence without new experimental results.

research Differentiation of the Sebaceous Gland

60 citations , March 2009 in “Dermato-Endocrinology”

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research Identification of Reptilian Genes Encoding Hair Keratin-Like Proteins Suggests a New Scenario for the Evolutionary Origin of Hair

115 citations , November 2008 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences”

In this study, the researchers found that mammalian hair likely evolved through the adaptation of existing structural proteins, as similar cysteine-rich α-keratins were identified in chicken and lizard genomes, suggesting pre-mammalian origins.

Conversion of the Nipple to Hair-Bearing Epithelia by Lowering Bone Morphogenetic Protein Pathway Activity at the Dermal-Epidermal Interface

research Conversion of the Nipple to Hair-Bearing Epithelia by Lowering Bone Morphogenetic Protein Pathway Activity at the Dermal-Epidermal Interface

41 citations , October 2008 in “The American journal of pathology”

This study found that reducing BMP signaling in mouse nipple epithelia, achieved through Noggin overexpression, can convert them into hairy skin with pilosebaceous units.

research The Human Keratins: Biology And Pathology

1398 citations , May 2008 in “Histochemistry and Cell Biology”

This review summarizes the cell type distribution and functional significance of human keratins, emphasizing their roles in tumor diagnosis and potential clinical applications, and reports no new clinical findings.

research Phylogeny of the Hair Follicle: The Sebogenic Hypothesis

21 citations , December 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study proposes the sebogenic hypothesis, suggesting that hair follicles evolved from primitive sebaceous glands to facilitate lipid transport and improve water retention in early land-dwelling animals.

research Human Hair Keratin-Associated Proteins

226 citations , January 2006 in “International review of cytology”

Keratin-associated proteins are crucial for hair strength and structure.

research Keratins of the Human Hair Follicle

276 citations , January 2005 in “International review of cytology”

More research is needed to understand how hair keratins work and their role in hair disorders.

research Comparative Aspects of the Inner Root Sheath in Adult and Developing Hairs of Mammals in Relation to the Evolution of Hairs

20 citations , September 2004 in “Journal of Anatomy”

This study suggests that the structure and function of the inner root sheath in mammalian hair may have evolved from simpler forms seen in monotremes, aiding in hair exit without damaging the epidermis.

research Acne and Sebaceous Gland Function

463 citations , September 2004 in “Clinics in dermatology”

This review discusses the development, function, and complex roles of sebaceous glands in acne and suggests future acne treatments should target inflammation and lipid production; it reports no new clinical results.

research Dermo-Epidermal Interactions in Reptilian Scales: Speculations on the Evolution of Scales, Feathers, and Hairs

38 citations , July 2004 in “Journal of experimental zoology. Part B, Molecular and developmental evolution”

This article discusses a hypothesis on the development and evolution of scales, hairs, and feathers from fish to amniotes, based on regions of dermo-epidermal interactions in skin, but reports no new findings.

Fine Structure and Immunocytochemistry of Monotreme Hairs, with Emphasis on the Inner Root Sheath and Trichohyalin-Based Cornification During Hair Evolution

research Fine Structure and Immunocytochemistry of Monotreme Hairs, with Emphasis on the Inner Root Sheath and Trichohyalin-Based Cornification During Hair Evolution

15 citations , July 2004 in “Journal of morphology”

This study analyzes the fine structure and protein distribution in monotreme hairs, finding similarities with other mammals and detailing unique immunocytochemical features in their inner root sheaths.

research Hair Follicle Differentiation And Regulation

199 citations , January 2004 in “The International Journal of Developmental Biology”

This review discusses advances in understanding hair and hair follicle structure, gene expression, and molecular signals in hair formation, without reporting new clinical findings.

research Epithelial Barrier Function: Assembly and Structural Features of the Cornified Cell Envelope

425 citations , August 2002 in “BioEssays”

This review discusses the structure and assembly of the cornified cell envelope in stratified squamous epithelial cells and various disorders leading to barrier defects, but reports no new findings.

research Hair Follicle Companion Layer: Reacquainting an Old Friend

55 citations , May 1995 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

research Existence of Trichohyalin-Keratohyalin Hybrid Granules: Co-Localization of Two Major Intermediate Filament-Associated Proteins in Non-Follicular Epithelia

54 citations , November 1994 in “Differentiation”

This study found that trichohyalin is expressed in various normal and pathological epithelia beyond hair follicle cells, where it is uniquely associated with filaggrin, suggesting a specific role in aggregating K6/K16-containing intermediate filaments.

research Trichohyalin: Presence in the Granular Layer and Stratum Corneum of Normal Human Epidermis

48 citations , May 1991 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This study found that trichohyalin, a protein previously thought to be restricted to hair and tongue, is also present in isolated cells within the granular layer and stratum corneum of normal human epidermis.

research Comparative Studies of the Ultrastructure of the Sebaceous Gland

40 citations , January 1985 in “Tissue and Cell”

This study found that sebum in sebaceous glands is produced from cell populations derived from peripheral progenitor cells, similarly to hair growth, without direct involvement from other peripheral cells.