Dlx3 Is a Crucial Regulator of Hair Follicle Differentiation and Cycling

The study demonstrated that Dlx3 was a crucial transcriptional regulator for hair follicle differentiation and cycling. The absence of Dlx3 in the epidermis led to complete alopecia due to the failure of the hair shaft and inner root sheath to form, caused by abnormal differentiation. Dlx3 was positioned downstream of Wnt signaling and acted as an upstream regulator of transcription factors like Hoxc13 and Gata3, essential for hair follicle differentiation. The study also highlighted the role of BMP signaling in hair morphogenesis and the necessity of Dlx3 for re-initiating the hair growth cycle. These findings established Dlx3 as essential for hair morphogenesis, differentiation, and cycling, with implications for understanding hair abnormalities in conditions like Tricho-Dento-Osseous syndrome.