Snail2: Structure-Function Studies and In Vivo Analysis of Its Role in Hair Follicle Development and Chemical Skin Carcinogenesis

The study investigated the roles of Snail1 and Snail2 transcription factors in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), hair follicle cycle, and skin carcinogenesis. It was found that Snail1 and Snail2 require different zinc fingers (ZFs) for their function, with Snail1 needing ZF1 and ZF2, and Snail2 requiring ZF3 or ZF4. The SNAG domain of Snail2 was crucial for EMT induction, while the SLUG domain negatively affected this process. In Snail2 knockout mice, the absence of Snail2 altered the hair follicle cycle and increased tumoral progression in skin carcinogenesis, particularly due to its absence in myeloid progenitors. The study highlighted the importance of Snail2 gene dosage in skin cancer response.