86 citations
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April 2009 in “Journal of anatomy” Hard skin features like scales, feathers, and hair evolved through specific protein changes in different animal groups.
10 citations
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November 2021 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Sheep and goat hair fibers are complex due to keratin-associated proteins, which are important for fiber properties and growth.
16 citations
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March 2021 in “EvoDevo” Different species use the same genes for tooth regeneration.
77 citations
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March 2000 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The study characterized a 300 kbp region of human DNA containing the type II hair keratin gene domain, identifying six functional type II hair keratin genes (hHb1–hHb6) and four pseudogenes. These genes were organized into two subclusters and expressed in the hair follicle, with pseudogene ψhHbD also transcribed despite mutations. The research suggested an evolutionary divergence of type II hair keratin genes from epithelial keratins and provided insights into their genomic organization and expression, contributing to the understanding of hair formation and structure. Additionally, the study highlighted the role of transcription factors in regulating these genes and suggested a higher gene density in this region than previously assumed.
36 citations
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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.