Ceramide Synthase 4 Deficiency in Mice Causes Lipid Alterations in Sebum and Results in Alopecia

April 2014 in “ Biochemical Journal ”

Philipp Ebel, Silke Imgrund, Katharina vom Dorp, Kristina Hofmann, Helena Maier, Helena Drake, Joachim Degen, Peter Dörmann, Matthias Eckhardt, Thomas Franz, Klaus Willecke

ceramide synthase 4 CerS4 alopecia lipid composition sebum C20 1,2-alkane diols wax diesters sphingolipids pilary canals hair loss skin lipids

Studysummary This study found that mice deficient in ceramide synthase 4 showed altered sebum composition and progressive hair loss due to obstructed hair canals. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study investigated the role of ceramide synthase 4 (CerS4) in mice by generating CerS4-deficient mice (Cers4−/−) and analyzing the effects on lipid composition in sebum. The absence of CerS4 led to altered lipid composition, resulting in more solidified sebum, which potentially caused progressive hair loss by physically blocking the hair canal. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in C20 1,2-alkane diols and wax diesters in the sebum of Cers4−/− mice. By 12 months, these mice exhibited further epidermal tissue destruction due to dilated and obstructed pilary canals. Mass spectrometric analyses revealed a strong decrease in C20-containing sphingolipids, highlighting the critical role of CerS4 in maintaining normal lipid composition and preventing alopecia.

View this study on portlandpress.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Mutant Laboratory Mice With Abnormalities in Hair Follicle Morphogenesis, Cycling, and Structure: An Update

52 citations , October 2012 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

This review presents updated tables of mouse mutants with hair growth abnormalities to aid in understanding the molecular mechanisms of human hair disorders, but reports no new clinical results.

research Development and Homeostasis of the Sebaceous Gland

107 citations , August 2012 in “Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology”

This review discusses the role of signaling networks in sebaceous gland development and disorders, highlighting recent insights from mouse models and cell line studies, but reports no new experimental results.

research Integral Hair Lipid in Human Hair Follicle

36 citations , August 2011 in “Journal of dermatological science”

This article examines the role and composition of integral hair lipids in forming a protective barrier similar to the skin's epidermal lipid layer and reports no new findings about their effects.

research Normal Fur Development and Sebum Production Depend on Fatty Acid 2-Hydroxylase Expression in Sebaceous Glands

40 citations , June 2011 in “Journal of biological chemistry/The Journal of biological chemistry”

This study revealed that deficiency in the enzyme FA2H in mice affected sebaceous gland function, altered sebum composition, and caused cycling alopecia, highlighting FA2H's role in hair follicle homeostasis.

research Hair Growth Defects in Insig-Deficient Mice Caused by Cholesterol Precursor Accumulation and Reversed by Simvastatin

46 citations , January 2010 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This study found that Insig deficiency in the skin of mice causes cholesterol precursors to accumulate, leading to defective hair development and skin abnormalities, which were alleviated by simvastatin treatment.

research The Triacylglycerol Synthesis Enzyme DGAT1 Also Catalyzes the Synthesis of Diacylglycerols, Waxes, and Retinyl Esters

258 citations , July 2005 in “Journal of lipid research”

This study found that DGAT1 exhibits additional acyltransferase activities in vitro, including MGAT, wax synthase, and ARAT activities, suggesting these could be relevant to its in vivo functions.

research A Guide to Assessing Damage Response Pathways of the Hair Follicle: Lessons From Cyclophosphamide-Induced Alopecia in Mice

106 citations , June 2005 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study defines classification criteria for hair follicle dystrophy using a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced alopecia, providing tools for standardized hair damage assessment.

research Phospholipase Cδ1 Is Required for Skin Stem Cell Lineage Commitment

101 citations , June 2003 in “The EMBO Journal”

Phospholipase Cδ1 is crucial for normal skin and hair development.

research Glycerol Regulates Stratum Corneum Hydration in Sebaceous Gland Deficient (Asebia) Mice

216 citations , May 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

This study found that sebaceous-gland-derived glycerol significantly contributes to stratum corneum hydration in mice with sebaceous gland deficiencies.

research Impaired Hair Follicle Morphogenesis and Cycling with Abnormal Epidermal Differentiation in Nackt Mice, a Cathepsin L-Deficient Mutation

57 citations , August 2002 in “American Journal Of Pathology”

Cathepsin L deficiency causes hair and skin issues in mice.

research Hair Follicle Biology, the Sebaceous Gland, and Scarring Alopecias

57 citations , August 1999 in “Archives of dermatology”

Hair follicles grow hair and release it through the skin.