Molecular expression associated with vibrissa follicle development and differentiation

The study investigated the expression patterns of Id proteins, specifically Id2 and Id3, in the development and differentiation of vibrissa hair follicles in Wistar rats. High Id2 expression was observed in Merkel cells and the basal epidermis, continuing from postnatal stages into adulthood. Id3 expression was initially cytoplasmic and basally polarized in early-stage follicles, later becoming nuclear in various cell types. The research highlighted the significant role of Id proteins in hair follicle development, suggesting their involvement in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and stem cell regulation. This study provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying hair follicle morphogenesis.