Mammalian-Specific Ectodermal Enhancers Control the Expression of Hoxc Genes in Developing Nails and Hair Follicles

The study explored the role of mammalian-specific ectodermal enhancers, EC1 and EC2, in regulating Hoxc gene expression during the development of nails and hair follicles. Using a mouse model, researchers found that deleting both enhancers led to significant phenotypic changes, such as disheveled fur, hypoplastic nails, and cyclic alopecia, due to reduced Hoxc13 expression. Individual deletions showed no significant effects, indicating redundancy between the enhancers. The study concluded that EC1 and EC2 are crucial for maintaining normal Hoxc gene expression levels necessary for proper morphogenesis of epidermal organs, highlighting their evolutionary significance in mammalian integument development.