The Nude Mutant Gene Foxn1 Is a HOXC13 Regulatory Target During Hair Follicle and Nail Differentiation

The study investigated the role of the Foxn1 gene in hair follicle and nail differentiation, identifying it as a regulatory target of the HOXC13 gene. It demonstrated that HOXC13 directly activated Foxn1, which is crucial for proper hair and nail development. Mutations in these genes led to defects in hair shaft organization and nail structure, as seen in Hoxc13 null and Foxn1nu (nude) mutant mice. The research highlighted the genetic interactions necessary for keratinocyte differentiation, contributing to the understanding of conditions like alopecia and nail dystrophies. Techniques such as DNA microarray analysis, co-transfection assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation were used to confirm these findings.