Dlx3 is a crucial regulator of hair follicle differentiation and cycling.

ABSTRACT: Dlx homeobox transcription factors regulate epidermal, neural and osteogenic cellular differentiation. Here, we demonstrate the central role of Dlx3 as a crucial transcriptional regulator of hair formation and regeneration. The selective ablation of Dlx3 in the epidermis results in complete alopecia owing to failure of the hair shaft and inner root sheath to form, which is caused by the abnormal differentiation of the cortex. Significantly, we elucidate the regulatory cascade that positions Dlx3 downstream of Wnt signaling and as an upstream regulator of other transcription factors that regulate hair follicle differentiation, such as Hoxc13 and Gata3. Colocalization of phospho-Smad1/5/8 and Dlx3 is consistent with a regulatory role for BMP signaling to Dlx3 during hair morphogenesis. Impor

SUBMITTER: Hwang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2707782 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature