Abstract 94: Hyaluronan Synthase 2 Knockdown in Epidermis Alters Wound Healing and Hair Follicle Development

The study investigated the role of hyaluronan (HA) in wound healing and hair follicle development by using transgenic mice lacking epidermal Hyaluronan Synthase 2 (Has2). It was found that while HA production by Has2 was not essential for reepithelization, it played a crucial role in collagen matrix reorganization during wound healing. The absence of Has2 led to slower wound repair, with higher collagen expression and lower HA expression in granulation tissue. Additionally, hair follicle development was altered in the Has2 knockout mice, resulting in larger gland development compared to wild type. These findings highlighted the importance of HA in epidermal cell function and its potential role in chronic inflammation associated with impaired wound healing.