NG2 Proteoglycan Expression in Mouse Skin: Altered Postnatal Skin Development in the NG2 Null Mouse

The study examined the role of NG2 proteoglycan in mouse skin development, particularly its expression in various skin layers and the effects of its absence. NG2 was found in the subcutis, dermis, outer root sheath of hair follicles, and basal keratinocyte layer, with significant expression in hair follicle stem cells. NG2 ablation resulted in altered skin development, with the NG2 null epidermis not reaching full thickness due to reduced basal keratinocyte proliferation and delayed subcutis thickening due to adipocyte deficiencies. Despite impaired keratinocyte proliferation and delayed adipocyte development, hair development was unaffected, suggesting compensatory mechanisms. The study highlighted NG2's role in skin layer development and its potential as a progenitor cell marker.