A Mutation in MAP2 Is Associated With Prenatal Hair Follicle Density

In this study, researchers identified a mutation in the microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) gene that was associated with reduced hair follicle density in pigs, leading to a hairless phenotype. This mutation involved a single nucleotide polymorphism, specifically an A-to-G change at rs328005415, resulting in a valine-to-methionine substitution. The critical period for hair follicle formation was identified as days 39-45 of the embryonic stage, with day 41 being particularly significant. The findings suggested that pigs could serve as a valuable model for studying hair morphogenesis and hair loss in humans due to the genetic similarities between the species.