Activation of Polyamine Catabolism Profoundly Alters Tissue Polyamine Pools and Affects Hair Growth and Female Fertility in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Spermidine/Spermine N1-Acetyltransferase

The study explored the effects of overexpressing the enzyme spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) in transgenic mice, which resulted in significant alterations in tissue polyamine pools, notably increasing putrescine levels while decreasing spermidine and spermine. This led to permanent hair loss at 3 to 4 weeks of age due to follicular cysts and interference with hair follicle cell differentiation and proliferation. Additionally, female mice were infertile, likely due to ovarian hypofunction and underdeveloped uteri. The research demonstrated that SSAT overexpression could modulate polyamine levels, providing insights into the developmental and physiological impacts of altered polyamine metabolism.