TLDR Blocking hair follicle development stops key gene signals needed for hair growth in mice.
The study investigated the role of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in hair follicle formation by examining the expression of Shh and its receptor genes, Patched (Ptc) and Patched-2 (Ptch2), in mice. It was found that these genes were significantly induced in normal embryonic hair germs but their induction was almost completely inhibited in two experimental systems: developing skin tissue of ICR mice cultured with epidermal growth factor and Tabby mutant mice embryos, a model for hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. However, Shh signaling was induced in Tabby embryos at a later stage, suggesting its involvement in the formation of different hair types. The study highlighted the potential of these systems for exploring molecular mechanisms in early hair follicle development.
231 citations
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October 1999 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation” Activating the Sonic hedgehog gene in mice can start the hair growth phase.
158 citations
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November 1998 in “Cell” β-catenin affects hair growth and can lead to tumors, needing more research for better understanding.
50 citations
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September 1997 in “Developmental Biology” 252 citations
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November 1995 in “The EMBO Journal” Blocking EGFR in mice causes hair loss and skin changes.
409 citations
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May 1991 in “Genes & Development” TGF-alpha affects skin thickness, hair growth, and may contribute to psoriasis and papilloma formation.
479 citations
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January 2005 in “BioEssays” Hair follicle development is controlled by interactions between skin tissues and specific molecular signals.
The document concludes that the development of certain tumors is influenced by genetic background and that a specific gene modification can lead to tumor regression and reduced growth.
53 citations
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October 2003 in “Developmental Biology” Too much Sonic Hedgehog protein stops hair growth in embryos.
68 citations
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November 2011 in “The American journal of pathology” Abnormal Hedgehog signaling in blood cancers may help tumors grow and resist chemotherapy, suggesting potential for targeted treatments.
231 citations
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October 1999 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation” Activating the Sonic hedgehog gene in mice can start the hair growth phase.
