LPA-Producing Enzyme PA-PLA1α Regulates Hair Follicle Development by Modulating EGFR Signaling

The study demonstrated that the enzyme PA-PLA1α was crucial for hair follicle development by modulating EGFR signaling. PA-PLA1α-deficient mice exhibited wavy hair due to improper inner root sheath formation, similar to defects in TACE, TGFα, and EGFR. The enzyme co-localized with these proteins in hair follicles, and its deficiency led to reduced levels of cleaved TGFα, tyrosine-phosphorylated EGFR, and LPA. The research showed that LPA, P2Y5 agonists, and recombinant PA-PLA1α could induce TGFα shedding and EGFR transactivation through the G12/13 pathway. Despite hair abnormalities, PA-PLA1α−/− mice did not develop alopecia. The study highlighted the importance of the PA-PLA1α–LPA–P2Y5 axis in hair follicle differentiation and maturation via the TACE–TGFα–EGFR pathway, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for hair disorders.