EGFR Controls Hair Shaft Differentiation in a p53-Independent Manner

The study demonstrated that the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) played a crucial role in hair shaft differentiation independently of the tumor suppressor protein p53. EGFR deficiency in mice led to significant delays in hair follicle growth, structural defects in the hair shaft, and increased DNA damage and apoptosis in keratinocytes. The research highlighted EGFR's importance in regulating cell proliferation, centrosome function, and DNA integrity, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for hair growth and regeneration.