Molecular and Functional Aspects of the Hairless (Hr) Gene in Laboratory Rodents and Humans

The document discussed the hairless (hr) gene in laboratory rodents and humans, highlighting its role in skin physiology and hair follicle biology. Although hairless and rhino mouse mutants were extensively used to study skin-related topics, the primary cellular defect of hairlessness was often overlooked. The identification of the human homolog of the hr gene on Chromosome 8p12 linked it to a congenital hair disorder in humans, similar to hairless mice. Mutations in the hr gene in mice served as models for understanding its function and the pathophysiology of related human disorders. The document reviewed the structure, expression patterns, and mutations of the hr gene, as well as associated pathologies, reproductive and immunological defects, and susceptibility to dioxin toxicity. It speculated on the potential functions of the hr gene product in skin and hair follicle biology.