Overexpression of Hoxc13 in Differentiating Keratinocytes Results in Downregulation of a Novel Hair Keratin Gene Cluster and Alopecia
May 2001
in “
Development
”
Studysummary This study found that overexpressing the Hoxc13 gene in mice causes hair loss and a skin condition similar to ichthyosis, identifying several gene targets that may regulate hair growth.
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The study demonstrated that overexpression of Hoxc13 in differentiating keratinocytes of hair follicles in transgenic mice led to alopecia and a skin condition similar to ichthyosis. Researchers identified 29 genes, including 16 novel ones, as potential targets of Hoxc13, with most being downregulated and part of a hair-specific keratin-associated protein (KAP) gene cluster. This cluster was located on mouse chromosome 16, corresponding to human chromosome 21q22.11. The study also suggested a negative feedback mechanism regulating Hoxc13 expression, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms of Hoxc13 in hair growth and development.
