Directed Expression of Keratin 16 to the Progenitor Basal Cells of Transgenic Mouse Skin Delays Skin Maturation

August 1998 in “ The Journal of Cell Biology ”

Rudolph D. Paladini, Pierre A. Coulombe

keratin 16 progenitor basal cells transgenic mouse skin epidermal growth factor receptor keratinocyte keratin filament networks K16 EGFR

Studysummary In a transgenic mouse model, this study found that overexpression of keratin 16 in skin keratinocytes led to hyperkeratosis and increased EGF receptor signaling, altering skin cell behavior and structure. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study examined the effects of expressing human keratin 16 (K16) in the progenitor basal cells of transgenic mouse skin, which resulted in delayed skin maturation and disrupted hair growth. Mice expressing K16 showed a thickened, hyperproliferative epidermis, flaky skin, and an absence of the first hair coat, with hair growth beginning around 4-5 weeks after birth. The expression of K16 altered keratinocyte responses, affecting cell adhesion and proliferation, and was linked to changes in keratin filament networks and signaling pathways, particularly involving the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). The findings highlighted the role of K16 in modulating skin and hair follicle development, suggesting its potential impact on keratinocyte activation and skin morphology.

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Research cited in this study

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This study found that high levels of human cytokeratin 16 expression in transgenic mice lead to skin lesions and altered keratinocyte structure, suggesting potential implications for human skin disorders and wound healing.

research Increased Expression of Keratin 16 Causes Anomalies in Cytoarchitecture and Keratinization in Transgenic Mouse Skin

94 citations , October 1994 in “The Journal of Cell Biology”

This study demonstrates that overexpression of K16 in transgenic mice disrupts normal keratinization, leading to hyperkeratosis, acanthosis, and alterations in the skin's epithelial cells.

research Mice With a Null Mutation of the TGFα Gene Have Abnormal Skin Architecture, Wavy Hair, and Curly Whiskers and Often Develop Corneal Inflammation

578 citations , April 1993 in “Cell”

This study found that mice with a disrupted TGFα gene display a curly whisker-coat phenotype, similar to waved-1 mice, suggesting TGFα's crucial role in skin architecture and hair development.

research Transgenic Mice Provide New Insights Into the Role of TGF-Alpha During Epidermal Development and Differentiation

409 citations , May 1991 in “Genes & Development”

This study observed that overexpression of TGF-alpha in transgenic mice led to thicker epidermis and stunted hair growth, particularly in regions with normally thick skin and low hair density.

research Expression of Keratin K14 in the Epidermis and Hair Follicle: Insights Into Complex Programs of Differentiation

198 citations , November 1989 in “The Journal of Cell Biology”

This study reported that K14 expression patterns and keratin filament organization in human skin's hair follicles differ from those in the epidermis, indicating distinct differentiation programs.

research Comparison of Epidermal Growth Factor Binding and Receptor Distribution in Normal Human Epidermis and Epidermal Appendages

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