CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Disruption of Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 in Rabbits Results in a Systemic Long Hair Phenotype by Prolonging Anagen

March 2020 in “ Genes ”

Yuxin Xu, Hongmei Li, Hui‐Lin Pan, Xinyue Wang, Yuxin Zhang, Bing Yao, Nannan Li, Liangxue Lai, Zhanjun Li

CRISPR/Cas9 Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 FGF5 anagen phase hair cycle BMP2 BMP4 VERSICAN hair follicle clusters CRISPR hair growth phase hair growth cycle bone morphogenetic protein 2 bone morphogenetic protein 4 hair follicles

TLDR Disrupting the FGF5 gene in rabbits leads to longer hair by extending the hair growth phase.

The study used CRISPR/Cas9 to disrupt the first exon of the FGF5 gene in rabbits, resulting in a systemic long hair phenotype by prolonging the anagen phase of the hair cycle. This confirmed FGF5 as a negative regulator of hair growth. The FGF5-/- rabbits exhibited decreased hair fiber diameter and a higher proportion of hair follicle clusters compared to wild-type rabbits. The long hair phenotype was associated with decreased BMP2/4 pathway signaling and increased VERSICAN pathway signaling. These findings suggest potential applications in fur production and provide a model for studying long hair mechanisms.

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Morphogenesis, Growth Cycle, and Molecular Regulation of Hair Follicles

CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Disruption of Fibroblast Growth Factor 5 in Rabbits Results in a Systemic Long Hair Phenotype by Prolonging Anagen

Research cited in this study

research Review of Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells as In Vitro Screening Model for Hair Growth

research The Disrupted Balance Between Hair Follicles and Sebaceous Glands in Hoxc13-Ablated Rabbits

research CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Loss of FGF5 Function Increases Wool Staple Length in Sheep

research Fibroblast Growth Factor 5-Short (FGF5s) Inhibits the Activity of FGF5 in Primary and Secondary Hair Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells of Cashmere Goats

research Congenital Generalized Hypertrichosis: The Skin as a Clue to Complex Malformation Syndromes

research FGF5 Is a Crucial Regulator of Hair Length in Humans

research Characterization of Hairless (Hr) and FGF5 Genes Provides Insights into the Molecular Basis of Hair Loss in Cetaceans

research Estrogen Leads to Reversible Hair Cycle Retardation Through Inducing Premature Catagen and Maintaining Telogen

research The Long And The Short Of It: Evidence That FGF5 Is A Major Determinant Of Canine Hair-Itability

research The Hair Cycle

research Hair Cycle-Specific Expression of Versican in Human Hair Follicles

research BMP Signaling in the Control of Skin Development and Hair Follicle Growth

research The Hair Cycle on the Human Thigh and Upper Arm

research Endocrine Influences on Hair Growth

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