TLDR Removing Dicer from pigment cells in newborn mice causes early hair graying and changes in cell migration molecules.
The study demonstrates that the loss of the enzyme Dicer in newborn melanocytes leads to premature hair graying due to misplacement and depletion of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs). Using mouse models and cell lines, researchers found that Dicer inactivation disrupts melanin transfer, causing hair to lose color. The study identifies the miR-92b–ItgaV pathway as crucial, with miR-92b regulating ItgaV levels and affecting melanocyte migration. Dicer knockdown altered the expression of 280 genes related to cell adhesion and migration, particularly integrins. These findings highlight Dicer's essential role in maintaining McSCs and proper melanocyte migration, linking stress to premature hair graying.
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