Progress report on hair keratin research

The study conducted microdiffraction experiments on feather shaft, horse and human hair, and porcupine quill samples to explore the structural zones in keratinous tissues. It revealed the presence of several structural layers, including highly ordered α- or β-type keratin and more amorphous keratin. Additionally, lipid granules were found primarily in the outer layers. This research demonstrated the potential of third-generation synchrotron sources for detailed structural microanalysis of biological tissues.

The document explored the structure and formation of hair at the cellular and molecular level, focusing on hair keratin proteins and their genes, including their structure, function, and regulation within the hair follicle. It also examined the major proteins and genes of the inner and outer root sheaths. The study highlighted the significance of hair follicle development, emphasizing the factors involved, and discussed hair genetic diseases, as well as transgenic and gene knockout models. These models were noted for their role in simulating natural mutations, which advanced the understanding of cellular interactions in hair formation.