Overexpression of Hoxc13 in differentiating keratinocytes results in downregulation of a novel hair keratin gene cluster and alopecia

The study demonstrated that overexpression of Hoxc13 in differentiating keratinocytes of hair follicles in transgenic mice led to alopecia and a skin condition similar to ichthyosis. Researchers identified 29 genes, including 16 novel ones, as potential targets of Hoxc13, with most being downregulated and part of a hair-specific keratin-associated protein (KAP) gene cluster. This cluster was located on mouse chromosome 16, corresponding to human chromosome 21q22.11. The study also suggested a negative feedback mechanism regulating Hoxc13 expression, offering insights into the molecular mechanisms of Hoxc13 in hair growth and development.