TLDR Msx2 and Foxn1 are both crucial for hair growth and health.
The 2009 study explored the roles of Msx2 and Foxn1 transcription factors in hair follicle differentiation, with a focus on Notch1 expression. It was found that both Msx2 and Foxn1 are essential for maintaining Notch1 expression in the hair matrix, which is crucial for the differentiation of the medulla and inner root sheath of hair follicles. Foxn1 may directly activate the Notch1 promoter, and both genes operate in parallel pathways that are downstream of BMP signaling. The absence of Msx2 and Foxn1 leads to a complete loss of visible external hairs, a phenotype more severe than that seen in Notch1 mutants alone. The study concludes that Msx2 and Foxn1 have overlapping but distinct roles in hair follicle development and differentiation, with Foxn1 directly regulating Notch1 expression and both being important for hair follicle regeneration. The research was conducted on genetically modified mice, and the number of subjects was not specified.
Cited in this study
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829 citations
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March 2004 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” GPRC5D is linked to the formation of hair, nails, and certain tongue areas.
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February 2002 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Understanding hair follicle development can help treat hair loss, skin regeneration, and certain skin cancers.
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April 2000 in “Nature genetics” Msx2 deficiency in mice leads to bone growth and organ development problems.
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March 1999 in “Developmental biology” The research shows that a gene called Wnt3 affects hair growth and structure, causing short hair and balding when overactive.
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May 1995 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” 150 citations
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May 1993 in “The journal of cell biology/The Journal of cell biology” Mouse Notch is important for determining cell roles in hair follicles.
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February 1992 in “Trends in genetics” Hair follicles create different cell layers and proteins, controlled by various molecules.
138 citations
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June 2007 in “Experimental cell research” Only a few hair-specific keratins are linked to inherited hair disorders.
29 citations
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April 2003 in “Experimental dermatology” Human hair follicles grown in vitro maintain normal keratin patterns and structure.