Non-Apoptotic Role for Caspase-7 in Hair Follicles and Surrounding Tissue

The study explored the non-apoptotic functions of caspase-7 in mouse hair follicles and surrounding skin tissue. It was found that caspase-7 is activated in hair follicle keratinocytes and mast cells, but this activation is not associated with apoptosis or caspase-3 activation, except during the natural regression phase of hair follicles. Caspase-7 deficiency resulted in an increased number of mast cells in adult skin. The research also noted the presence of caspase-7 in developing hair germs and an increase in other caspases in caspase-7 deficient embryonic skin, indicating possible compensatory mechanisms. The study concluded that caspase-7 has roles beyond apoptosis in skin and hair follicle biology, although the exact number of mice used in the study was not provided in the summary.