Generating LacZ-Reporter Transgenic Mice to Identify Alpha1 (XIX) Collagen (Col19a1) Expression in Dermal Papilla Cells

The study focused on understanding the role of type XIX Collagen (Col19a1) in hair follicle morphogenesis by generating Col19a1LacZ reporter mice using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The researchers found that Col19a1 expression was specific to dermal papilla (DP) cells in hair follicles, as well as other tissues like whiskers, skeletal muscles, and the basal keratinocyte layer of the skin. Expression began at embryonic day 14.5 in the dermal condensates of the hair germ stage and continued in mature hair follicles, but was absent in the placode stage. The study aimed to further explore the functional role of Col19a1 in hair follicle development, suggesting its potential importance in understanding the molecular mechanisms of hair follicle stem cell regulation.