Alopecia in Harlequin Mutant Mice Is Associated with Reduced AIF Protein Levels and Expression of Retroviral Elements

    December 2020 in “ Mammalian genome ”
    Maik Hintze, Sebastian Griesing, Marion Michels, Birgit Blanck, Lena Wischhof, Dieter Hartmann, Daniele Bano, Thomas Franz
    Image of study
    TLDR Harlequin mutant mice have hair loss due to low AIF protein levels and retroviral element activity.
    In the study from December 26, 2020, researchers explored the role of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in hair growth by examining Harlequin (Hq) mutant mice, which developed abnormalities in their hair during hair follicle morphogenesis. These abnormalities were linked to a decrease in the expression of genes responsible for hair structure, despite normal levels of key transcriptional regulators for hair follicle development. Mice with a specific Aifm1 mutation exhibited minor hair defects, even with significantly reduced AIF levels. Additionally, the study identified the overexpression of an integrated ecotropic provirus in the Aifm1Hq allele, which, when expressed in wild-type keratinocyte cell lines, led to the down-regulation of hair follicle-specific genes without affecting other keratin genes. The findings suggest that the lack of hair in Hq mutant mice is due to a severe AIF deficiency and potentially influenced by the expression of retroviral elements that may affect the transcription of structural hair proteins.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    10 / 10 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community Alopecia Areata Question

      in Treatment  2 upvotes 3 years ago
      A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

      community mbp alopecia areata or vitamin deficiency

      in Chat 5 months ago
      A 19-year-old male has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 8 months with no progress and is considering seeking a second opinion due to potential misdiagnosis. The discussion revolves around whether the hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or a vitamin deficiency.

      community Androgenic alopecia exclusively on the vertex of the scalp

      in Chat  6 upvotes 7 months ago
      A user experienced androgenic alopecia starting at the vertex without frontal hairline recession and is seeking information on this pattern. Another user noted that vertex or diffuse hair loss is common among men.

      community Fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution

      in Research/Science  14 upvotes 9 months ago
      A user has been experiencing hair loss for 4 years, with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and various supplements proving ineffective. They were diagnosed with fibrosing alopecia in a pattern distribution, a condition that may require a combination of anti-inflammatory and hair growth treatments.

      community Androgenetic alopecia is a skin disease: DHT-mediated skin disorders

      in Research/Science  65 upvotes 1 year ago
      Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impacts various skin conditions, including Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, by causing overactivity in sebaceous glands. Topical medications Tacrolimus and Clobetasol can reduce these inflammatory conditions, and treatments like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride may also be beneficial.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results