Ectopic Expression of the Nude Gene Induces Hyperproliferation and Defects in Differentiation: Implications for the Self-Renewal of Cutaneous Epithelia

The study investigated the effects of ectopic expression of the Whn gene in transgenic mice, which led to hyperproliferation and differentiation defects in cutaneous epithelia. The transgenic mice exhibited impaired terminal differentiation in the epidermis and hair follicles, resulting in hair defects such as delayed growth and curly whiskers, linked to decreased TGF-alpha expression. Basal keratinocytes showed hyperproliferation, and hair follicles remained in an abnormal growth phase. Additionally, severe hyperplasia in the ureter epithelium caused urinary obstruction and death from hydronephrosis. The findings suggested that Whn influenced growth factor production, affecting the balance between proliferative and postmitotic cells in self-renewing epithelia.