Pattern of Expression of c-Myc, Max, and Bin1 in Human Anagen Hair Follicles

The study investigated the expression patterns of c-Myc, Max, and Bin1 in human anagen hair follicles. It was found that c-Myc was present in specific regions of the inner root sheath (IRS) where keratinocytes undergo terminal differentiation. These regions were identified as the lower ring (LR), upper ring (UR), and a newly discovered intermediate ring (IR). Max was observed in all three layers of the IRS, aligning with c-Myc-positive regions, while Bin1 was primarily found in Huxley's layer and the cuticle. The findings suggested that the differentiation of hair follicle layers involves the expression of genes within the 'Myc network', with c-Myc marking the transition to terminal differentiation and cell deletion.