Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors, P21waf1/Cip1 And P27kip1, Are Expressed Site- And Hair Cycle-Dependently In Rat Hair Follicles

The study examined the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p21waf1/cip1 and p27kip1, in rat hair follicles, revealing that their mRNA levels were higher during the anagen phase than the telogen phase. This suggested their involvement in the differentiation of follicular epithelial cells. Using methods like reverse transcription, polymerase chain reaction, and northern blot hybridization, researchers analyzed hair follicles from 5-12-week-old rats. The results showed a correlation between these inhibitors and hair differentiation markers, such as type I hair keratin and high sulfur protein B2, indicating their potential role in hair follicle differentiation.