Loss of Gata6 Causes Dilation of the Hair Follicle Canal and Sebaceous Duct

The study investigated the role of the transcription factor Gata6 in the skin, specifically its impact on the hair follicle canal and sebaceous duct. Researchers found that removing Gata6 led to the dilation of these structures, regardless of gender or hair cycle stage. Although the absence of Gata6 caused a slight delay in hair growth after depilation, the overall skin and hair appearance in mutant mice remained normal. The study concluded that Gata6 is crucial for maintaining the structure of the upper hair follicle, and its dysregulation might contribute to conditions like acne or infundibular cystic diseases, which involve abnormal follicular expansion.