An EGFP-Col4a2 Mouse Model Reveals Basement Membrane Dynamics Underlying Hair Follicle Morphogenesis

The study using the eGFP-Col4a2 mouse model provides insights into the dynamics of the basement membrane (BM) during hair follicle morphogenesis. It reveals that BM expansion is linked to the proliferation of basal epithelial progenitors and that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are essential for collagen IV turnover and proper BM expansion. Inhibition of MMPs disrupts these processes, leading to abnormal hair follicle shapes and altered cell division patterns. The research highlights the importance of BM dynamics in coordinating cell behavior and organ shape during development, offering new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying hair follicle formation.