Generation of a Novel Inducible and Dermal Papilla-Specific Wif1-CreER Knock-In Mouse Line for Hair Follicle Research

May 2025 in “ Experimental Dermatology ”

Rina Su, Guangqian Shen, Xin Xiao, Yinghui Zheng, Fang Liu, Daoming Chen

Wif1-CreER dermal papilla cells hair follicle development hair regeneration CreERT2 CRISPR/Cas9 Cre recombinase tamoxifen hair cycle stages DP cells hair growth gene editing hormone therapy

TLDR A new genetic tool improves the study of hair growth and potential hair disorder treatments.

The study introduces a novel genetic tool, the Wif1-CreER knock-in mouse line, designed for precise labeling and manipulation of dermal papilla (DP) cells, which are crucial for hair follicle development and regeneration. This tool was developed using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination to insert CreERT2 sequences into the Wif1 locus. The specificity and efficiency of Cre recombinase activity in DP cells were confirmed through PCR, sequencing, and immunofluorescence, showing minimal expression in other tissues. This model addresses the limitations of previous tools by providing enhanced specificity and spatiotemporal control, offering a valuable resource for hair biology research and the development of targeted therapies for hair-related disorders.

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