Alpha-Parvin Is Required for Epidermal Morphogenesis, Hair Follicle Development, and Basal Keratinocyte Polarity

The study demonstrated that α-parvin (α-pv), a protein that connects integrins to the actin cytoskeleton, is essential for the proper development of the epidermis and hair follicles. When the α-pv gene was inactivated in basal keratinocytes of mice, it led to detachment from the basement membrane, thickening of the epidermis, misplaced keratinocyte proliferation, and disrupted actin cytoskeleton polarization. Additionally, keratinocytes without α-pv showed decreased adhesion to basement membrane components, abnormal spreading and stress fiber formation, and hindered directed migration in vitro. These findings indicate that α-pv is crucial for maintaining epidermal homeostasis by supporting integrin-mediated adhesion and the organization of the actin cytoskeleton in keratinocytes.