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

August 1999 in “ Developmental biology ”

David M. Prowse, David Lee, Lorin Weiner, Nanyan Jiang, Cynthia M. Magro, Howard P. Baden, Janice L. Brissette

Whn gene cutaneous epithelia epidermis hair follicles TGF-alpha basal keratinocytes hyperproliferation hyperplasia hydronephrosis skin cells hair growth transforming growth factor alpha skin basal cells excessive cell growth kidney swelling

Studysummary This study found that ectopic expression of Whn in transgenic mice caused impaired differentiation in epidermis and hair follicles, with hair growth defects and severe urinary tract issues leading to hydronephrosis.

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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.

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