Gsdma3 Is Required for Hair Follicle Differentiation in Mice

The study demonstrated that the Gsdma3 gene was essential for normal hair follicle differentiation in mice. Mutations in Gsdma3 led to progressive hair loss and hyperkeratosis, with hair regrowth occurring in cycles. The research used alopecia and excoriation (AE) mice as a model, revealing that Gsdma3 was expressed in the matrix, inner root sheath, and hair shaft. Ultrastructural and histological analyses showed abnormal hair structures and reduced hair keratins in AE mice. The study suggested that Gsdma3 was involved in the Msx2/Foxn1/acidic hair keratin genetic pathway, indicating its critical role in anchoring the hair shaft and resisting external forces.