Rapid Genetic Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Signaling During Hair Regeneration

February 2013 in “ Journal of Visualized Experiments ”

Wei‐Meng Woo, Scott X. Atwood, Hanson H. Zhen, Anthony E. Oro

TLDR The method quickly analyzes hair growth genes and shows that blocking Smo in skin cells stops hair growth.

The document from 2013 outlines a method for rapid genetic analysis of epithelial-mesenchymal signaling in hair regeneration using a modified chamber hair assay. This method involves isolating primary mouse keratinocytes and dermal cells, manipulating them with lentivirus containing shRNA or cDNA for gene knockdown or overexpression, and then grafting these cells onto nude mice to form hair follicles. The study demonstrated that knocking down Smoothened (Smo) in dermal cells resulted in inhibited hair growth, highlighting the importance of the Shh signaling pathway in hair follicle development. The method allows for the observation of hair follicle morphogenesis within three weeks, offering a faster alternative to traditional genetic models. The success of the assay depends on achieving high viral infection efficiency and the desired level of gene knockdown or overexpression prior to grafting.

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Rapid Genetic Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Signaling During Hair Regeneration