TLDR Trichohyalin-like proteins are essential for the development of skin structures like hair, nails, and feathers.
The study concluded that trichohyalin-like proteins played crucial and evolutionarily conserved roles in the development of skin appendages across different species, such as hair, claws, nails, and feathers. The research identified and characterized non-mammalian S100 fused-type proteins (SFTPs) in reptiles and birds, revealing proteins like scaffoldin, which showed similarities to mammalian trichohyalin. These proteins were essential for the proper formation and structural integrity of skin-related structures, indicating their fundamental importance in skin biology. The findings highlighted the need for further research into these proteins' roles in dermatology.
234 citations,
November 2009 in “American journal of human genetics” Common variants in the Trichohyalin gene are linked to straight hair in Europeans.
116 citations,
April 1986 in “The journal of cell biology/The Journal of cell biology” Trichohyalin is a protein in hair follicles that helps form hair filaments.
36 citations,
November 2019 in “Molecular biology and evolution” Cysteine-rich keratins evolved independently in mammals, reptiles, and birds for hard skin structures like hair, claws, and feathers.
8 citations,
January 2023 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Transglutaminase activity is important for skin and is found in both mammals and birds.
17 citations,
June 2012 in “Journal of experimental zoology. Part B, Molecular and developmental evolution” Hair in mammals likely evolved from glandular structures, not scales.
65 citations,
September 2014 in “BMC genomics” Different hair types in mammals are linked to variations in specific protein genes, with changes influenced by their living environments.
86 citations,
April 2009 in “Journal of anatomy” Hard skin features like scales, feathers, and hair evolved through specific protein changes in different animal groups.
