Defective Catagen Entry in EGFR Deficient Skin Precedes Cutaneous Inflammation
April 2012
in “
Cancer Research
”
epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR hair follicle cycling catagen phase telogen phase mast cells neutrophils macrophages immune function genes mast cell proteases major histocompatibility complex MHC adaptive immunity folliculitis pro-inflammatory genes immune system inflammation hair growth cycle
TLDR EGFR deficiency in skin causes hair follicle issues and inflammation.
The study investigated the effects of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) deficiency on hair follicle cycling and cutaneous inflammation using a mouse model. It was found that EGFR deficiency disrupted the normal progression of hair follicles through the catagen phase, leading to asynchronous entry and delayed transition to telogen. This disruption was associated with a significant increase in mast cell numbers and degranulation, which preceded an inflammatory response characterized by increased neutrophils and macrophages. Transcriptional profiling revealed upregulation of immune function genes, including mast cell proteases and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, suggesting a role for adaptive immunity in the observed inflammation. The findings indicated that defective catagen entry due to EGFR deficiency led to folliculitis through the upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes.
