Distinct patterns of NCAM expression are associated with defined stages of murine hair follicle morphogenesis and regression

Immunoexpression Patterns of Adhesion Molecules (E-cadherin, β-catenin, CD56) and Cytokeratins (CK19, CK20, HMWCK, CAM5.2) During Hair Development in Human Fetuses Compared With Adults

ABSTRACT

Abnormalities in the expression of cytokeratins or adhesion molecules have been associated with hair disorders. The expression patterns of these molecules in the hair follicles of developing human fetuses are not obvious. We aimed to investigate the expression patterns of some cytokeratins and adhesion molecules in the hair follicle of human fetuses and compared them with adults. Forty-eight fetuses of >16 gestational weeks and 22 adult cases with total excisions of benign nevi or cysts were enrolled. The skin samples were taken from both the scalp and back of the fetuses. The histopathologically normal skin areas were evaluated in adults. CK19, CK20, CAM5.2, high-molecular-weight cytokeratin, E-cadherin, β-catenin, and CD56 immunohistochemical stainings were performed. In the fetus group, the staining scores declined in the third trimester but elevated and reached the highest level in adults, except for CD56, which did not stain any adult samples. All stainings were mostly observed in the outer root sheath, except CD56 that stained the perifollicular dermal sheath only in fetuses. E-cadherin, β-catenin, and high-molecular-weight cytokeratin strongly and diffusely stained all adult samples. CAM5.2 and CK19 scores were correlated in fetuses (scalp scores: rs = 0.405, P = 0.004; back scores: rs = 0.422, P = 0.003) and adults (back scores: rs = 0.562, P = 0.046). CD56 negativity indicated the immune-privilege feature of adult hair follicles. As CK19, CAM5.2 may be used to find the regions of stem cells or transient amplifying cells.

Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. Extract Promotes Human Dermal Papilla Cell Cytoprotective Effect and Hair Regrowth Rate in C57BL/6 Mice

Hair loss is a disease that requires accurate diagnosis and type-specific medical treatment. Many hair loss treatments have some side effects, such as hormone-related effects, so there is a need for safe and effective hair loss treatment. In this study, we investigated the effects of Lactobacillus paracasei HY7015 (HY7015) and Lycopus lucidus Turcz. (LT) extract on hair regrowth and protection. In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the effects of HY7015 and/or LT extract on human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) of cytoprotective functions such as proliferations, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and growth factor expressions. In animal experiments, we investigated hair regrowth rate, hair follicle formation and secretion of growth factors in telogenic C57BL/6 mice. We confirmed the cytoprotective effects of HY7015 and LT through regulations of proliferation, SOD and IL-1β in HFDPC. In mouse experiments, oral administration of HY7015 and LT promoted hair regrowth as well as hair follicle maturation in the dermal skin of C57BL/6 mice, and upregulated VEGF and IGF-1 growth factor levels in mouse serum. In summary, our data demonstrate that ingestions of HY7015 and LT can promote hair regrowth by enhancing cytoprotective effects and expressions of growth factors.

Skin Aging in Long-Lived Naked Mole-Rats Is Accompanied by Increased Expression of Longevity-Associated and Tumor Suppressor Genes

Naked mole-rats (NMRs) (Heterocephalus glaber) are long-lived mammals that possess a natural resistance to cancer and other age-related pathologies, maintaining a healthy life span >30 years. In this study, using immunohistochemical and RNA-sequencing analyses, we compare skin morphology, cellular composition, and global transcriptome signatures between young and aged (aged 3‒4 vs. 19‒23 years, respectively) NMRs. We show that similar to aging in human skin, aging in NMRs is accompanied by a decrease in epidermal thickness; keratinocyte proliferation; and a decline in the number of Merkel cells, T cells, antigen-presenting cells, and melanocytes. Similar to that in human skin aging, expression levels of dermal collagens are decreased, whereas matrix metalloproteinase 9 and matrix metalloproteinase 11 levels increased in aged versus in young NMR skin. RNA-sequencing analyses reveal that in contrast to human or mouse skin aging, the transcript levels of several longevity-associated (Igfbp3, Igf2bp3, Ing2) and tumor-suppressor (Btg2, Cdkn1a, Cdkn2c, Dnmt3a, Hic1, Socs3, Sfrp1, Sfrp5, Thbs1, Tsc1, Zfp36) genes are increased in aged NMR skin. Overall, these data suggest that specific features in the NMR skin aging transcriptome might contribute to the resistance of NMRs to spontaneous skin carcinogenesis and provide a platform for further investigations of NMRs as a model organism for studying the biology and disease resistance of human skin.

Direct Reprograming of Mouse Fibroblasts into Dermal Papilla Cells via Small Molecules

The reprogramming of somatic fibroblasts into alternative cell linages could provide a promising source of cells for regenerative medicine and cell therapy. However, the direct conversion of fibroblasts into other functional cell types is still challenging. In this study, we show that dermal-papilla-cell-like cells (DPC-LCs) can be generated by treating fibroblasts, including L929 mouse fibroblast cell lines and somatic mouse fibroblasts, with small molecules. Based on alkaline phosphatase activity and other molecular markers, different compounds or their combinations are needed for converting the two different fibroblasts into DPC-LCs. Notably, we found that TTNPB alone can efficiently convert primary adult mouse fibroblasts into DPC-LCs. DPC-LCs generated from mouse fibroblasts showed a stronger hair-inducing capacity. Transcriptome analysis reveals that expression of genes associated with a hair-inducing capacity are increased in DPC-LCs. This pharmacological approach to generating functional dermal papilla cells may have many important implications for hair follicle regeneration and hair loss therapy.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals an Inhibitory Effect of Dihydrotestosterone-Treated 2D- and 3D-Cultured Dermal Papilla Cells on Hair Follicle Growth

Dermal papillae are a target of androgen action in patients with androgenic alopecia, where androgen acts on the epidermis of hair follicles in a paracrine manner. To mimic the complexity of the dermal papilla microenvironment, a better culture model of human dermal papilla cells (DPCs) is needed. Therefore, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated two-dimensional (2D)- and 3D-cultured DPCs on hair follicle growth. 2D- and 3D-cultured DPC proliferation was inhibited after co-culturing with outer root sheath (ORS) cells under DHT treatment. Moreover, gene expression levels of β-catenin and neural cell adhesion molecules were significantly decreased and those of cleaved caspase-3 significantly increased in 2D- and 3D-cultured DPCs with increasing DHT concentrations. ORS cell proliferation also significantly increased after co-culturing in the control-3D model compared with the control-2D model. Ki67 downregulation and cleaved caspase-3 upregulation in DHT-treated 2D and 3D groups significantly inhibited ORS cell proliferation. Sequencing showed an increase in the expression of genes related to extracellular matrix synthesis in the 3D model group. Additionally, the top 10 hub genes were identified, and the expression of nine chemokine-related genes in DHT-treated DPCs was found to be significantly increased. We also identified the interactions between transcription factor (TF) genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) with hub genes and the TF-miRNA coregulatory network. Overall, the findings indicate that 3D-cultured DPCs are more representative of in vivo conditions than 2D-cultured DPCs and contribute to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying androgen-induced alopecia.

The dermal sheath: An emerging component of the hair follicle stem cell niche

Hair follicles cyclically regenerate throughout adult mammalian life, owing to a resident population of epithelial hair follicle stem cells. Stem cell (SC) activity drives bouts of follicle growth, which are periodically interrupted by follicle regression and rest. These phases and the transitions between them are tightly spatiotemporally coordinated by signalling crosstalk between stem/progenitor cells and the various cell types of the microenvironment, or niche. The dermal papilla (DP) is a cluster of specialized mesenchymal cells that have long been recognized for important niche roles in regulating hair follicle SC activation, as well as progenitor proliferation and differentiation during follicle growth. In addition to the DP, the mesenchyme of the murine pelage follicle is also comprised of a follicle-lining smooth muscle known as the dermal sheath (DS), which has been far less studied than the DP yet may be equally specialized and important for hair cycling. In this review, we define the murine pelage DS in comparison with human DS and discuss recent work that highlights the emergent importance of the DS in the hair follicle SC niche. Last, we examine potential therapeutic applications for the DS in hair regeneration and wound healing.

Expression kinetics of hepatic progenitor markers in cellular models of human liver development recapitulating hepatocyte and biliary cell fate commitment

Due to the limitations of research using human embryos and the lack of a biological model of human liver development, the roles of the various markers associated with liver stem or progenitor cell potential in humans are largely speculative, and based on studies utilizing animal models and certain patient tissues. Human pluripotent stem cell-based in vitro multistage hepatic differentiation systems may serve as good surrogate models for mimicking normal human liver development, pathogenesis and injury/regeneration studies. Here, we describe the implications of various liver stem or progenitor cell markers and their bipotency (i.e. hepatocytic- and biliary-epithelial cell differentiation), based on the pluripotent stem cell-derived model of human liver development. Future studies using the human cellular model(s) of liver and biliary development will provide more human relevant biological and/or pathological roles of distinct markers expressed in heterogeneous liver stem/progenitor cell populations.

Epidermal stem cells and skin tissue engineering in hair follicle regeneration

The reconstitution of a fully organized and functional hair follicle from dissociated cells propagated under defined tissue culture conditions is a challenge still pending in tissue engineering. The loss of hair follicles caused by injuries or pathologies such as alopecia not only affects the patients' psychological well-being, but also endangers certain inherent functions of the skin. It is then of great interest to find different strategies aiming to regenerate or neogenerate the hair follicle under conditions proper of an adult individual. Based upon current knowledge on the epithelial and dermal cells and their interactions during the embryonic hair generation and adult hair cycling, many researchers have tried to obtain mature hair follicles using different strategies and approaches depending on the causes of hair loss. This review summarizes current advances in the different experimental strategies to regenerate or neogenerate hair follicles, with emphasis on those involving neogenesis of hair follicles in adult individuals using isolated cells and tissue engineering. Most of these experiments were performed using rodent cells, particularly from embryonic or newborn origin. However, no successful strategy to generate human hair follicles from adult cells has yet been reported. This review identifies several issues that should be considered to achieve this objective. Perhaps the most important challenge is to provide three-dimensional culture conditions mimicking the structure of living tissue. Improving culture conditions that allow the expansion of specific cells while protecting their inductive properties, as well as methods for selecting populations of epithelial stem cells, should give us the necessary tools to overcome the difficulties that constrain human hair follicle neogenesis. An analysis of patent trends shows that the number of patent applications aimed at hair follicle regeneration and neogenesis has been increasing during the last decade. This field is attractive not only to academic researchers but also to the companies that own almost half of the patents in this field.

Wnt7b is an important intrinsic regulator of hair follicle stem cell homeostasis and hair follicle cycling

The hair follicle (HF) is an exceptional mini-organ to study the mechanisms which regulate HF morphogenesis, cycling, hair follicle stem cell (hfSCs) homeostasis, and progeny differentiation. During morphogenesis, Wnt signaling is well-characterized in the initiation of HF patterning but less is known about which particular Wnt ligands are required and whether individual Wnt ligands act in an indispensable or redundant manner during postnatal hfSCs anagen onset and HF cycle progression. Previously, we described the function of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling target gene WNT7a in intrinsic regulation of hfSCs homeostasis in vivo. Here, we investigated the role of Wnt7b, which was also intrinsically upregulated in hfSCs during physiological and precocious anagen after BMP inhibition in vivo. We demonstrated Wnt7b to be a direct target of canonical BMP signaling in hfSCs and using Wnt7b conditional gene targeting during HF morphogenesis revealed disrupted HF cycling including a shorter anagen, premature catagen onset with overall shorter hair production, and diminished HF differentiation marker expression. Additionally, we observed that postnatal ablation of Wnt7b resulted in delayed HF activation, affecting both the hair germ and bulge hfSCs but still maintaining a two-step sequence of HF stimulation. Interestingly, Wnt7b cKO hfSCs participated in reformation of the new HF bulge, but with slower self-renewal. These findings demonstrate the importance of intrinsic Wnt7b expression in hfSCs regulation and normal HF cycling and surprisingly reveal a nonredundant role for Wnt7b in the control of HF anagen length and catagen entry which was not compensated by other Wnt ligands.

Smad1 and 5 but not Smad8 establish stem cell quiescence which is critical to transform the premature hair follicle during morphogenesis toward the postnatal state

Hair follicles (HFs) are regenerative miniorgans that offer a highly informative model system to study the regulatory mechanisms of hair follicle stem cells (hfSCs) homeostasis and differentiation. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling is key in both of these processes, governing hfSCs quiescence in the bulge and differentiation of matrix progenitors. However, whether canonical or noncanonical pathways of BMP signaling are responsible for these processes remains unresolved. Here, we conditionally ablated two canonical effectors of BMP signaling, Smad1 and Smad5 during hair morphogenesis and postnatal cycling in mouse skin. Deletion of Smad1 and Smad5 (dKO) in the epidermis during morphogenesis resulted in neonatal lethality with lack of visible whiskers. Interestingly, distinct patterns of phospho-Smads (pSmads) activation were detected with pSmad8 restricted to epidermis and pSmad1 and pSmad5 exclusively activated in HFs. Engraftment of dKO skin revealed retarded hair morphogenesis and failure to differentiate into visible hair. The formation of the prebulge and bulge reservoir for quiescent hfSCs was precluded in dKO HFs which remained in prolonged anagen. Surprisingly, in postnatal telogen HFs, pSmad8 expression was no longer limited to epidermis and was also present in dKO bulge hfSCs and matrix progenitors. Although pSmad8 activity alone could not prevent dKO hfSCs precocious anagen activation, it sustained efficient postnatal differentiation and regeneration of visible hairs. Together, our data suggest a pivotal role for canonical BMP signaling demonstrating distinguished nonoverlapping function of pSmad8 with pSmad1 and pSmad5 in hfSCs regulation and hair morphogenesis but a redundant role in adult hair progenitors differentiation.

Complex changes in the apoptotic and cell differentiation programs during initiation of the hair follicle response to chemotherapy

Chemotherapy has severe side-effects for normal rapidly proliferating organs, such as hair follicle, and causes massive apoptosis in hair matrix keratinocytes followed by hair loss. To define the molecular signature of hair follicle response to chemotherapy, human scalp hair follicles cultured ex vivo were treated with doxorubicin and global microarray analysis was performed 3 hours after treatment. Microarray data revealed changes in expression of 504 genes in doxorubicin-treated hair follicles versus the controls. Among these genes, upregulations of several tumor necrosis factor family of apoptotic receptors (FAS, TRAIL receptors 1/2), as well as of a large number of the keratin-associated protein genes were seen after doxorubicin treatment. Hair follicle apoptosis induced by doxorubicin was significantly inhibited by either TRAIL neutralizing antibody or caspase 8 inhibitor, thus suggesting a novel role for TRAIL receptor signaling in mediating doxorubicin-induced hair loss. These data demonstrate that the early phase of the hair follicle response to doxorubicin includes upregulation of apoptosis-associated markers, as well as substantial re-organization of the terminal differentiation programs in hair follicle keratinocytes. These data provide an important platform for further studies towards the design of novel approaches for management of chemotherapy-induced hair loss.

p63 and Brg1 control developmentally regulated higher-order chromatin remodelling at the epidermal differentiation complex locus in epidermal progenitor cells

Chromatin structural states and their remodelling, including higher-order chromatin folding and three-dimensional (3D) genome organisation, play an important role in the control of gene expression. The role of 3D genome organisation in the control and execution of lineage-specific transcription programmes during the development and differentiation of multipotent stem cells into specialised cell types remains poorly understood. Here, we show that substantial remodelling of the higher-order chromatin structure of the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), a keratinocyte lineage-specific gene locus on mouse chromosome 3, occurs during epidermal morphogenesis. During epidermal development, the locus relocates away from the nuclear periphery towards the nuclear interior into a compartment enriched in SC35-positive nuclear speckles. Relocation of the EDC locus occurs prior to the full activation of EDC genes involved in controlling terminal keratinocyte differentiation and is a lineage-specific, developmentally regulated event controlled by transcription factor p63, a master regulator of epidermal development. We also show that, in epidermal progenitor cells, p63 directly regulates the expression of the ATP-dependent chromatin remodeller Brg1, which binds to distinct domains within the EDC and is required for relocation of the EDC towards the nuclear interior. Furthermore, Brg1 also regulates gene expression within the EDC locus during epidermal morphogenesis. Thus, p63 and its direct target Brg1 play an essential role in remodelling the higher-order chromatin structure of the EDC and in the specific positioning of this locus within the landscape of the 3D nuclear space, as required for the efficient expression of EDC genes in epidermal progenitor cells during skin development.

CCN2 modulates hair follicle cycling in mice

Mesenchymal cells play a role in controlling the number of hair follicles. However, the precise molecules involved are unclear. Absence in mesenchymal cells of the expression of the secreted matricellular protein CTGF/CCN2 results in an increased number of hair follicles, concomitant with increased β-catenin activity.

It is critical to understand how stem cell activity is regulated during regeneration. Hair follicles constitute an important model for organ regeneration because, throughout adult life, they undergo cyclical regeneration. Hair follicle stem cells—epithelial cells located in the follicle bulge—are activated by periodic β-catenin activity, which is regulated not only by epithelial-derived Wnt, but also, through as-yet-undefined mechanisms, the surrounding dermal microenvironment. The matricellular protein connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) is secreted into the microenvironment and acts as a multifunctional signaling modifier. In adult skin, CCN2 is largely absent but is unexpectedly restricted to the dermal papillae and outer root sheath. Deletion of CCN2 in dermal papillae and the outer root sheath results in a shortened telogen-phase length and elevated number of hair follicles. Recombinant CCN2 causes decreased β-catenin stability in keratinocytes. In vivo, loss of CCN2 results in elevated numbers of K15-positive epidermal stem cells that possess elevated β-catenin levels and β-catenin–dependent reporter gene expression. These results indicate that CCN2 expression by dermal papillae cells is a physiologically relevant suppressor of hair follicle formation by destabilization of β-catenin and suggest that CCN2 normally acts to maintain stem cell quiescence.

Competitive balance of intrabulge BMP/Wnt signaling reveals a robust gene network ruling stem cell homeostasis and cyclic activation

Hair follicles facilitate the study of stem cell behavior because stem cells in progressive activation stages, ordered within the follicle architecture, are capable of cyclic regeneration. To study the gene network governing the homeostasis of hair bulge stem cells, we developed a Keratin 15-driven genetic model to directly perturb molecular signaling in the stem cells. We visualize the behavior of these modified stem cells, evaluating their hair-regenerating ability and profile their molecular expression. Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-inactivated stem cells exhibit molecular profiles resembling those of hair germs, yet still possess multipotentiality in vivo. These cells also exhibit up-regulation of Wnt7a, Wnt7b, and Wnt16 ligands and Frizzled (Fzd) 10 receptor. We demonstrate direct transcriptional modulation of the Wnt7a promoter. These results highlight a previously unknown intra-stem cell antagonistic competition, between BMP and Wnt signaling, to balance stem cell activity. Reduced BMP signaling and increased Wnt signaling tilts each stem cell toward a hair germ fate and, vice versa, based on a continuous scale dependent on the ratio of BMP/Wnt activity. This work reveals one more hierarchical layer regulating stem cell homeostasis beneath the stem cell-dermal papilla-based epithelial-mesenchymal interaction layer and the hair follicle-intradermal adipocyte-based tissue interaction layer. Although hierarchical layers are all based on BMP/Wnt signaling, the multilayered control ensures that all information is taken into consideration and allows hair stem cells to sum up the total activators/inhibitors involved in making the decision of activation.

P-cadherin regulates human hair growth and cycling via canonical Wnt signaling and transforming growth factor-β2

P-cadherin is a key component of epithelial adherens junctions, and it is prominently expressed in the hair follicle (HF) matrix. Loss-of-function mutations in CDH3, which encodes P-cadherin, result in hypotrichosis with juvenile macular dystrophy (HJMD), an autosomal recessive disorder featuring sparse and short hair. Here, we attempted to recapitulate some aspects of HJMD in vitro by transfecting normal, organ-cultured human scalp HFs with lipofectamine and CDH3-specific or scrambled control siRNAs. As in HJMD patients, P-cadherin silencing inhibited hair shaft growth, prematurely induced HF regression (catagen), and inhibited hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation. In situ, membrane β-catenin expression and transcription of the β-catenin target gene, axin2, were significantly reduced, whereas glycogen synthase kinase 3 β (GSK3β) and phospho-β-catenin immunoreactivity were increased. These effects were partially reversed by inhibiting GSK3β. P-cadherin silencing reduced the expression of the anagen-promoting growth factor, IGF-1, whereas that of transforming growth factor β 2 (TGFβ2; catagen promoter) was enhanced. Neutralizing TGFβ antagonized the catagen-promoting effects of P-cadherin silencing. In summary, we introduce human HFs as an attractive preclinical model for studying the functions of P-cadherin in human epithelial biology and pathology. This model demonstrates that cadherins can be successfully knocked down in an intact human organ in vitro, and shows that P-cadherin is needed for anagen maintenance by regulating canonical Wnt signaling and suppressing TGFβ2.

Large-scale cultivation of transplantable dermal papilla cellular aggregates using microfabricated PDMS arrays

In this work we have developed a strategy for cultivating dermal papilla (DP) cells to form multiple arrayed spheroidal microtissues for transplantation on a micropatterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) plate system. We also describe the behavior of dermal papilla cells on this platform and the spontaneous formation of spheroidal microtissues by DP cells. We used a hydrophobic PDMS arrayed chip as a master to separate the seeded cells in the TCPS culture plate. By controlling the cell seeding densities, a microwell with arrayed DP spheroidal microtissues was easily formed. Formation of DP microtissues was associated with overlapping multilayered cells on the microwells and low cell-substrate adhesivity on the PDMS film. The microwell environment enhanced the aggregation of DP cells into spheroidal microtissues on the TCPS culture plate. The spheroidal microtissues preserved their hair induction potential in vitro and in vivo. A large quantity of DP spheroidal microtissues could be obtained rapidly and simply using this platform. We could harvest hundreds of DP microtissues (352 microtissues) with a cell seeding density of 1×10⁶ cells well⁻¹ after 3 days cultivation in one well of a 24-well plate. This is the first demonstration of the formation of DP spheres in large quantitites.

The mesenchymal component of hair follicle neogenesis: background, methods and molecular characterization

Hair follicle morphogenesis and regeneration occur by an extensive and collaborative crosstalk between epithelial and mesenchymal skin components. A series of pioneering studies, which revealed an indispensable role of follicular dermal papilla and dermal sheath cells in this crosstalk, has led workers in the field to study in detail the anatomical distribution, functional properties, and molecular signature of the trichogenic dermal cells. The purpose of this paper was to provide a practical summary of the development and recent advances in the study of trichogenic dermal cells. Following a short review of the relevant literature, the methods for isolating and culturing these cells are summarized. Next, the bioassays, both in vivo and in vitro, that enable the evaluation of trichogenic properties of tested dermal cells are described in detail. A list of trichogenic molecular markers identified by those assays is also provided. Finally, this methods review is completed by defining some of the major questions needing resolution.

Immunohistochemical localization of barx2 in the developing fetal mouse submandibular glands

The development of mouse submandibular gland (SMG) begins at embryonic day 11.5-12 (E11.5-12), during which successive rounds of epithelial clefting and branching create complex epithelial tree-like structures. Homeobox genes regulate place-dependent morphogenesis, including epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, and control the expression patterns of signaling molecules. The Barx2 containing Homeobox exerts several key roles in development. Some studies have shown that the Barx2 plays important roles in the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions of organogenesis. However, the mechanisms of Barx2 associated with the development of SMG are obscure. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time the exact spatial and temporal Barx2 expression pattern in SMG epithelial tissue during development using immunohistochemical staining and Real-Time quantitative PCR. Barx2 was expressed in the nucleus of the epithelial cells located in the proliferative and differentiative regions of the developing SMG during the early development stages (E11.5-E13.5). After the E14.5-time period, the expression gradually decreased, and at E16.5, expression mostly disappeared despite the fact that evidence of cytodifferentiation, such as the appearance of proacinar cells, distinct lumen formation, and secretory products, was beginning to be observed. Results of Real-Time PCR demonstrated that the amount of Barx2 mRNA expression in SMG was maximal on E14.5, and gradually decreased by E18.5. These results indicate that Barx2 is associated with early stage epithelial tissue development, and can be a useful epithelial marker of the SMG during early developmental stages.

Planar polarization in embryonic epidermis orchestrates global asymmetric morphogenesis of hair follicles

Mammalian body hairs align along the anterior-posterior (A-P) axis and offer a striking but poorly understood example of global cell polarization, a phenomenon known as planar cell polarity (PCP). We have discovered that during embryogenesis, marked changes in cell shape and cytoskeletal polarization occur as nascent hair follicles become anteriorly angled, morphologically polarized and molecularly compartmentalized along the A-P axis. Hair follicle initiation coincides with asymmetric redistribution of Vangl2, Celsr1 and Fzd6 within the embryonic epidermal basal layer. Moreover, loss-of-function mutations in Vangl2 and Celsr1 show that they have an essential role in hair follicle polarization and orientation, which develop in part through non-autonomous mechanisms. Vangl2 and Celsr1 are both required for their planar localization in vivo, and physically associate in a complex in vitro. Finally, we provide in vitro evidence that homotypic intracellular interactions of Celsr1 are required to recruit Vangl2 and Fzd6 to sites of cell-cell contact.

Self-assembly of dermal papilla cells into inductive spheroidal microtissues on poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) membranes for hair follicle regeneration

Self-aggregation is key to hair follicle (HF) induction ability of dermal papilla (DP) cells and neogenesis of HF can be achieved by transplanting DP microtissues. However, there is currently lack of a suitable system that allows efficient production of DP microtissues and analysis of DP self-aggregation in vitro. We demonstrate that, at a higher seeding cell density, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVAL) membranes facilitate DP self-assembly into many compact spheroidal microtissues that are able to induce new HFs. This self-assembling process is associated with an enhanced cell movement and a declined cell-substrate adhesivity on EVAL. A compromised cell growth is also revealed on EVAL. On the contrary, a more adherent surface allows faster cell expansion but maintains DP cells in a flat morphology. Dynamically, cell migration, intercellular collision and intercellular adhesion contribute to DP microtissue formation on EVAL. Our results suggest that, for large-scale production of DP microtissues for HF regeneration, an adhesive surface is needed for quick cell expansion and a biomaterial with a lower adhesivity is required for self-aggregation. In addition, this system can be a model for investigation of DP self-aggregation in vitro.

Isolation of murine hair-inducing cells using the cell surface marker prominin-1/CD133

Hair is a mini-organ in which dermal papilla (DP) cells play important roles in hair follicle morphogenesis and formation via interactions with epithelial cells. DP cells have previously been difficult to analyze because of the lack of a specific surface marker. We have demonstrated that prominin-1/CD133 (CD133) is a useful marker for murine DP cells. DP cells express CD133 during the early anagen stage (active growth phase) not only during hair morphogenesis, but also during the growth phase of hairs after birth. Gene expression and flow cytometric analysis revealed that CD133-positive (+) cells in the skin possess the characteristics of DP cells. The CD133(+) cells isolated from embryonic or adult skin-induced new hair follicles in vivo when they were transplanted into nude mice mixed with embryonic epithelial cells, but CD133-negative (-) cells could not. We propose that the CD133 is a novel surface marker useful for collecting DP cells in the anagen stage and for analyzing the function of DP.

Protection Against Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia

PURPOSE

The goal is to provide an overview on the advances in protection against chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The four major parts of this review are (a) overview of the hair follicle biology, (b) characteristics of CIA, (c) state-of-the-art animal models of CIA, and (d) experimental approaches on protection against CIA.

RESULTS

The hair follicle represents an unintended target of cancer chemotherapy. CIA is a significant side effect that compromises the quality of life of patients. Overcoming CIA represents an area of unmet needs, especially for females and children. Significant progresses have been made in the last decade on the pathobiology of CIA. The pharmacological agents under evaluation include drug-specific antibodies, hair growth cycle modifiers, cytokines and growth factors, antioxidants, cell cycle or proliferation modifiers, and inhibitors of apoptosis. Their potential applications and limitations are discussed.

CONCLUSION

Multiple classes of agents with different action mechanisms have been evaluated in animal CIA models. Most of these protective agents have activity limited to a single chemotherapeutic agent. In comparison, calcitriol and cyclosporine A have broader spectrum of activity and can prevent against CIA by multiple chemotherapeutic agents. Among the three agents that have been evaluated in humans, AS101 and Minoxidil were able to reduce the severity or shorten the duration of CIA but could not prevent CIA.

Molecular dissection of mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in the hair follicle

De novo hair follicle formation in embryonic skin and new hair growth in adult skin are initiated when specialized mesenchymal dermal papilla (DP) cells send cues to multipotent epithelial stem cells. Subsequently, DP cells are enveloped by epithelial stem cell progeny and other cell types to form a niche orchestrating hair growth. Understanding the general biological principles that govern the mesenchymal–epithelial interactions within the DP niche, however, has been hampered so far by the lack of systematic approaches to dissect the complete molecular make-up of this complex tissue. Here, we take a novel multicolor labeling approach, using cell type–specific transgenic expression of red and green fluorescent proteins in combination with immunolabeling of specific antigens, to isolate pure populations of DP and four of its surrounding cell types: dermal fibroblasts, melanocytes, and two different populations of epithelial progenitors (matrix and outer root sheath cells). By defining their transcriptional profiles, we develop molecular signatures characteristic for the DP and its niche. Validating the functional importance of these signatures is a group of genes linked to hair disorders that have been largely unexplored. Additionally, the DP signature reveals novel signaling and transcription regulators that distinguish them from other cell types. The mesenchymal–epithelial signatures include key factors previously implicated in ectodermal-neural fate determination, as well as a myriad of regulators of bone morphogenetic protein signaling. These findings establish a foundation for future functional analyses of the roles of these genes in hair development. Overall, our strategy illustrates how knowledge of the genes uniquely expressed by each cell type residing in a complex niche can reveal important new insights into the biology of the tissue and its associated disease states.

Determining the molecular signature of the cells that orchestrate hair follicle growth generates new insights that will aid in understanding the normal biology and disease states of this tissue.

High-purity lineage selection of embryonic stem cell-derived neurons

The derivation of somatic cell types from pluripotent and self-renewing embryonic stem (ES) cells offers attractive prospects for basic research, compound development, and regenerative medicine. A key prerequisite for biomedical applications of ES cells is the ability to differentiate and isolate defined somatic cell populations at high purity. In this study, we explore the potential of the Talpha1- enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgene and polysialic acid (PSA)-neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) as lineage selection markers for the derivation of ES cell-derived neurons. Upon controlled in vitro differentiation, ES cells engineered to express EGFP under control of the Talpha1-tubulin promoter exhibited exclusive transgene expression in neurons. Similarly, PSA-NCAM expression during the early stages of ES cell differentiation was restricted to neuronal progeny. Talpha1- EGFP- and PSA-NCAM-positive neurons comprised both inhibitory and excitatory phenotypes. Compared to Talpha1-EGFP, the expression of PSA-NCAM was initiated at slightly earlier stages of neural differentiation. FACSorting of Talpha1-EGFP-positive cells and immunopanning of PSA-NCAMexpressing cells yielded neuronal populations at purities up to 99.6% and 96.9%, respectively. These findings depict Talpha1-EGFP and PSA-NCAM as suitable markers for high-purity selection of early ES cell-derived neurons.

A Guide to Assessing Damage Response Pathways of the Hair Follicle: Lessons From Cyclophosphamide-Induced Alopecia in Mice

After chemical, biological, or physical damage, growing (i.e. anagen) hair follicles develop abnormalities that are collectively called hair follicle dystrophy. Comparatively lower follicular damage induces the "dystrophic anagen" response pathway (=prolonged, dystrophic anagen, followed by severely retarded follicular recovery). More severe follicular damage induces the dystrophic catagen pathway (=immediate anagen termination, followed by a dystrophic, abnormally shortened telogen and maximally fast follicular recovery). In order to recognize these distinct damage response strategies of the hair follicle in a clinical or histopathological context, we have used the well-established C57BL/6J mouse model of cyclophosphamide-induced alopecia to define pragmatic classification criteria for hair follicle dystrophy (e.g., structure and pigmentation of the hair shaft, location, and volume of ectopic melanin granules, distension of follicular canal, number of TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling positive keratinocytes in the hair bulb; neural cell-adhesion molecule immunoreactivity and alkaline phosphatase activity as markers for the level of damage to the follicular papilla). These classification criteria for hair follicle dystrophy are useful not only in chemotherapy-induced alopecia models, but also in the screening of drug-treated or mutant mice in a highly standardized, accurate, sensitive, reproducible, easily applicable, and quantifiable manner.

In search of the "hair cycle clock": a guided tour

The hair follicle, a unique characteristic of mammals, represents a stem cell-rich, prototypic neuroectodermal-mesodermal interaction system. This factory for pigmented epithelial fibers is unique in that it is the only organ in the mammalian body which, for its entire lifetime, undergoes cyclic transformations from stages of rapid growth (anagen) to apoptosis-driven regression (catagen) and back to anagen, via an interspersed period of relative quiescence (telogen). While it is undisputed that the biological "clock" that drives hair follicle cycling resides in the hair follicle itself, the molecular nature of the underlying oscillator system remains to be clarified. To meet this challenge is of profound general interest, since numerous key problems of modern biology can be studied exemplarily in this versatile model system. It is also clinically important, since the vast majority of patients with hair growth disorders suffers from an undesired alteration of hair follicle cycling. Here, we sketch basic background information and key concepts that one needs to keep in mind when exploring the enigmatic "hair cycle clock"(HCC), and summarize competing models of the HCC. We invite the reader on a very subjective guided tour, which focuses on our own trials, errors, and findings toward the distant goal of unravelling one of the most fascinating mysteries of biology: Why does the hair follicle cycle at all? How does it do it? What are the key players in the underlying molecular controls? Attempting to offer at least some meaningful answers, we share our prejudices and perspectives, and define crucial open questions.

Molecular principles of hair follicle induction and morphogenesis

Hair follicle (HF) development is the result of neuroectodermal-mesodermal interactions, and can be divided into morphologically distinguishable stages (induction, organogenesis and cytodifferentiation). The spacing, polarity and differentiation patterns of HFs are driven by interacting, self-assembling gradients of inhibitors and activators, which are established jointly by the skin epithelium and mesenchyme. For HF development to occur, the dominant-negative influence of inhibitors of the HF differentiation pathway must be locally counteracted by specific antagonists and/or overriden by stimulators of hair placode formation. Once a mesenchymal condensate of inductive fibroblasts has formed, it takes over control of most subsequent steps of HF organogenesis and of epithelial stem cell differentiation into distinct lineages. In this review we introduce the morphological characteristics, major underlying principles and molecular key players that control HF development. The focus is on recent insights into the molecular interactions leading to hair follicle induction, and we close with synthesizing a corresponding working hypothesis.

BMP signaling in the control of skin development and hair follicle growth

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), their antagonists, and BMP receptors are involved in controlling a large number of biological functions including cell proliferation, differentiation, cell fate decision, and apoptosis in many different types of cells and tissues during embryonic development and postnatal life. BMPs exert their biological effects via using BMP-Smad and BMP-MAPK intracellular pathways. The magnitude and specificity of BMP signaling are regulated by a large number of modulators operating on several levels (extracellular, cytoplasmic, nuclear). In developing and postnatal skin, BMPs, their receptors, and BMP antagonists show stringent spatio-temporal expressions patterns to achieve proper regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in the epidermis and in the hair follicle. Genetic studies assert an essential role for BMP signaling in the control of cell differentiation and apoptosis in developing epidermis, as well as in the regulation of key steps of hair follicle development (initiation, cell fate decision, cell lineage differentiation). In postnatal hair follicles, BMP signaling plays an important role in controlling the initiation of the growth phase and is also involved in the regulation of apoptosis-driven hair follicle involution. However, additional efforts are required to fully understand the mechanisms and targets involved in the realization of BMP effects on distinct cell population in the skin and hair follicle. Progress in this area of research will hopefully lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches for using BMPs and BMP antagonists in the treatment of skin and hair growth disorders.

Dermo-epidermal interactions in reptilian scales: Speculations on the evolution of scales, feathers, and hairs

The dermal influence on the epidermis during scale formation in reptiles is poorly known. Cells of the superficial dermis are not homogeneously distributed beneath the epidermis, but are instead connected to specific areas of the epidermis. Dermal cells are joined temporarily or cyclically through the basement membrane, with the reactive region of the epidermis forming specific regions of dermo-epidermal interactions. In these regions morphoregulatory molecules may be exchanged between the dermis and the connected epidermis. Possible changes in the localization of these regions in the skin may result in the production of different appendages, in accordance with the genetic makeup of the epidermis in each species. Regions of dermo-epidermal interactions seem to move their position during development. A hypothesis on the development and evolution of scales, hairs, and feathers from sarcopterigian fish to amniotes is presented, based on the different localization and extension of regions of dermo-epidermal interactions in the skin. It is hypothesized that, during phylogenesis, possible variations in the localization and extension of these regions, from the large scales of basic amniotes to those of sauropsid amniotes, may have originated scales with hard (beta)-keratin. In extant reptiles, extended regions of dermo-epidermal interaction form most of the expanse of outer scale surface. It is hypothesized that the reduction of large regions of dermo-epidermal interactions into small areas in the skin were the origin of dermal condensations. In mammals, small regions of dermo-epidermal interactions have invaginated, forming the dermal papilla with the associated hair matrix epidermis. In birds, small regions of dermo-epidermal interactions have reduced the original scale surface of archosaurian scales, forming the dermal papilla. The latter has invaginated in association with the collar epidermis from which feathers were produced.

Molecular control of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions during hair follicle cycling

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions play pivotal roles in the morphogenesis of many organs and various types of appendages. During hair follicle development, extensive interactions between two embryologically different hair follicle compartments (epidermal keratinocytes and dermal papilla fibroblasts) lead to the formation of the hair shaft-producing mini-organ that shows cyclic activity during postnatal life with periods of active growth, involution and resting. During the hair cycle, the epithelium and the mesenchyme are regulated by a distinct set of molecular signals that are unique for every distinct phase of the hair cycle. In telogen hair follicles, epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are characterized by a predominance of inhibitory signals that retain the hair follicle in a quiescent state. During anagen, a large variety of growth stimulatory pathways are activated in the epithelium and in the mesenchyme, the coordination of which are essential for proper hair fiber formation. During catagen, the termination of anagen-specific signaling interactions between the epithelium and the mesenchyme leads to apoptosis in the hair follicle epithelium, while activation of selected signaling pathways promotes the transition of the dermal papilla into a quiescent state. The signaling exchange between the follicular epithelium and the mesenchyme is modulated by proteoglycans, such as versican, which may significantly enhance or reduce the biological activities of secreted growth stimulators. However, additional research will be required to bridge the gap between our current understanding of mechanisms underlying epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in hair follicles and the potential clinical application of growth modulators involved in those interactions. Further progress in this area of research will hopefully lead to the development of new drugs for the treatment of hair growth disorders.

Establishment of cadherin-based intercellular junctions in the dermal papilla of the developing hair follicle

During hair follicle development, mesenchymal cells aggregate to form the dermal papilla with hair-inducing activity. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying the aggregative behavior of dermal papilla cells are less known. The present study demonstrates that cadherin-based intercellular junctions interconnect dermal papilla cells in developing hair follicles of mice. It is shown that as mesenchymal cells aggregate to be surrounded by epithelium in developing hair follicles, cadherin-11 comes to exhibit the dotted patterns of distribution. The appearance of the dot-like distribution of the molecule is concomitant with the formation of intercellular junctions in the mesenchymal aggregate, which make a tightly packed population of cells with little extracellular space. At later stages of the development, although extracellular space reappears in the dermal papilla, the cells remain interconnected by well-developed intercellular junctions, where cadherin-11 as well as beta-catenin is localized. Taking into consideration the normal hair development in cadherin-11 mutant mice, it might be that multiple cadherins are responsible for the establishment of intercellular junctions in the dermal papilla and serve to maintain the aggregative behavior of the cells.

Prostaglandin-induced hair growth

Latanoprost, used clinically in the treatment of glaucoma, induces growth of lashes and ancillary hairs around the eyelids. Manifestations include greater thickness and length of lashes, additional lash rows, conversion of vellus to terminal hairs in canthal areas as well as in regions adjacent to lash rows. In conjunction with increased growth, increased pigmentation occurs. Vellus hairs of the lower eyelids also undergo increased growth and pigmentation. Brief latanoprost therapy for 2-17 days (3-25.5 microg total dosage) induced findings comparable to chronic therapy in five patients. Latanoprost reversed alopecia of the eyelashes in one patient. Laboratory experiments with latanoprost have demonstrated stimulation of hair growth in mice and in the balding scalp of the stumptailed macaque, a primate that demonstrates androgenetic alopecia. The increased number of visible lashes is consistent with the ability of latanoprost to induce anagen (the growth phase) in telogen (resting) follicles while inducing hypertrophic changes in the involved follicles. The increased length of lashes is consistent with the ability of latanoprost to prolong the anagen phase of the hair cycle. Correlation with laboratory studies suggests that initiation and completion of latanoprost hair growth effects occur very early in anagen and the likely target is the dermal papilla.

Developmental timing of hair follicle and dorsal skin innervation in mice

The innervation of hair follicles offers an intriguing, yet hardly studied model for the dissection of the stepwise innervation during cutaneous morphogenesis. We have used immunofluorescence and a panel of neuronal markers to characterize the developmental choreography of C57BL/6 mouse backskin innervation. The development of murine skin innervation occurs in successive waves. The first cutaneous nerve fibers appeared before any morphological evidence of hair follicle development at embryonic day 15 (E15). Stage 1 and 2 developing hair follicles were already associated with nerve fibers at E16. These fibers approached a location where later in development the follicular (neural) network A (FNA) is located on fully developed pelage hair follicles. Prior to birth (E18), some nerve fibers had penetrated the epidermis, and an additional set of perifollicular nerve fibers arranged itself around the isthmus and bulge region of stage 5 hair follicles, to develop into the follicular (neural) network B (FNB). By the day of birth (P1), the neuropeptides substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide became detectable in subcutaneous and dermal nerve fibers first. Newly formed hair follicles on E18 and P1 displayed the same innervation pattern seen in the first wave of hair follicle development. Just prior to epidermal penetration of hair shafts (P5), peptide histidine methionine-IR nerve fibers became detectable and epidermal innervation peaked; such innervation decreased after penetration (P7- P17). Last, tyrosine hydroxylase-IR and neuropeptide Y-IR became readily detectable. This sequence of developing innervation consistently correlates with hair follicle development, indicating a close interdependence of neuronal and epithelial morphogenesis.

Alx4 binding to LEF-1 regulates N-CAM promoter activity

During murine embryogenesis, expression of the paired-like homeodomain protein Alx4 is restricted to tissues whose development depends on the expression of lymphoid enhancer factor-1 (LEF-1). Given the defects seen in hair follicle development in both LEF-1 and Alx4 knockout and mutant animals and the overlapping expression patterns, we predicted that LEF-1 and Alx4 might form physical complexes. We demonstrate here the interaction between LEF-1 and Alx4. This interaction is mediated through a specific proline-rich domain in the N-terminal region of Alx4 and requires the DNA-binding domain (HMG-box) of LEF-1. We also demonstrate that LEF-1 and Alx4 can bind simultaneously to adjacent sites on the neural cell adhesion molecule (N-CAM) promoter and that this binding alters N-CAM promoter activity. Furthermore, when expressed in primary mammary stromal cells, Alx4 decreases the expression of endogenous N-CAM protein. These results reveal a potential mechanism that gives rise to mesenchymal-specific activities of LEF-1.

A comprehensive guide for the accurate classification of murine hair follicles in distinct hair cycle stages

Numerous strains of mice with defined mutations display pronounced abnormalities of hair follicle cycling, even in the absence of overt alterations of the skin and hair phenotype; however, in order to recognize even subtle, hair cycle-related abnormalities, it is critically important to be able to determine accurately and classify the major stages of the normal murine hair cycle. In this comprehensive guide, we present pragmatic basic and auxiliary criteria for recognizing key stages of hair follicle growth (anagen), regression (catagen) and quiescence (telogen) in C57BL/6NCrlBR mice, which are largely based on previous work from other authors. For each stage, a schematic drawing and representative micrographs are provided in order to illustrate these criteria. The basic criteria can be employed for all mouse strains and require only routine histochemical techniques. The auxiliary criteria depend on the immunohistochemical analysis of three markers (interleukin-1 receptor type I, transforming growth factor-beta receptor type II, and neural cell-adhesion molecule), which allow a refined analysis of anatomical hair follicle compartments during all hair cycle stages. In contrast to prior staging systems, we suggest dividing anagen III into three distinct substages, based on morphologic differences, onset and progression of melanogenesis, and the position of the dermal papilla in the subcutis. The computer-generated schematic representations of each stage are presented with the aim of standardizing reports on follicular gene and protein expression patterns. This guide should become a useful tool when screening new mouse mutants or mice treated with pharmaceuticals for discrete morphologic abnormalities of hair follicle cycling in a highly reproducible, easily applicable, and quantifiable manner.

Patterns of proliferation and apoptosis during murine hair follicle morphogenesis

In this study, we have correlated cutaneous apoptosis and proliferation in neonatal mice during hair follicle morphogenesis. We have applied a novel triple- staining technique that uses Ki67 immunoreactivity as a marker of proliferation as well as TUNEL and Hoechst 33342 staining as apoptosis markers. We have also assessed the immunoreactivity of interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme, caspase 1, a key enzyme in the execution of apoptosis, and of P-cadherin, which has been suggested as a key adhesion receptor in segregating proliferating keratinocytes. The TUNEL data were systematically compared with high resolution light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy data. Virtually all keratinocytes of the developing hair bud were strongly Ki67(+), suggesting that the hair bud is not an epidermal invagination but primarily the product of localized keratinocyte proliferation. As hair follicle development advanced, three distinct foci of proliferation became apparent: the distal outer root sheath around the hair canal, the mid outer root sheath, and the proximal hair matrix. Of these proliferating hair follicle keratinocytes only defined subsets expressed P-cadherin. TUNEL(+) cells in the hair follicle were not found before stage 5 of murine hair follicle morphogenesis. During the early stages of hair follicle development, interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme immunoreactivity was present on all keratinocytes, but virtually disappeared from the proximal hair follicle epithelium later on. High resolution light microscopy/transmission electron microscopy revealed scattered and clustered apoptotic keratinocytes in all epithelial hair follicle compartments throughout hair follicle development, including its earliest stages. This highlights striking differences in the demarcation of apoptotic hair follicle keratinocytes between the TUNEL technique and high resolution light microscopy/transmission electron microscopy and suggests a role for apoptosis in sculpting the hair follicle even during early hair follicle development.

Controls of hair follicle cycling

Nearly 50 years ago, Chase published a review of hair cycling in which he detailed hair growth in the mouse and integrated hair biology with the biology of his day. In this review we have used Chase as our model and tried to put the adult hair follicle growth cycle in perspective. We have tried to sketch the adult hair follicle cycle, as we know it today and what needs to be known. Above all, we hope that this work will serve as an introduction to basic biologists who are looking for a defined biological system that illustrates many of the challenges of modern biology: cell differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, stem cell biology, pattern formation, apoptosis, cell and organ growth cycles, and pigmentation. The most important theme in studying the cycling hair follicle is that the follicle is a regenerating system. By traversing the phases of the cycle (growth, regression, resting, shedding, then growth again), the follicle demonstrates the unusual ability to completely regenerate itself. The basis for this regeneration rests in the unique follicular epithelial and mesenchymal components and their interactions. Recently, some of the molecular signals making up these interactions have been defined. They involve gene families also found in other regenerating systems such as fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta, Wnt pathway, Sonic hedgehog, neurotrophins, and homeobox. For the immediate future, our challenge is to define the molecular basis for hair follicle growth control, to regenerate a mature hair follicle in vitro from defined populations, and to offer real solutions to our patients' problems.

Localisation of members of the notch system and the differentiation of vibrissa hair follicles: receptors, ligands, and fringe modulators

Hair vibrissa follicle morphogenesis involves several cell segregation phases, in the dermis as well as in the epidermis. The expression of Notch-related genes, which are well established mediators of multiple cell segregation events in Drosophila development, was studied by in situ hybridisation during embryonic mouse vibrissa follicle morphogenesis and the first adult hair cycle. The results show that two receptors, Notch1 and -2, three ligands, Delta1, Serrate1, and -2, and the three Fringe regulators, Lunatic, Manic, and Radical, are expressed in different locations and morphogenetic stages. First, the appearance of hair vibrissa primordia involves the expression of complementary patterns of Notch2, Delta1, and Lunatic Fringe in the dermis and of Notch1, Serrate2, and Lunatic Fringe in the epidermis. Second, this expression pattern is no longer found after stage 3 in the dermis. Meanwhile, in the epidermis, the expression of Notch1, Serrate2, and Lunatic Fringe before the formation of the placode may be involved in determining two populations of epidermal cells in the developing follicle. Third, complementary expression patterns for Notch1, Manic, and Lunatic Fringe, as well as Serrate1 and -2 as previously shown (Powell et al., 1998), are progressively established from stage 4 of embryonic development both in the outer root sheath and in the hair matrix. These patterns are consistent with the one found in the adult anagen phase. During the hair vibrissa cycle, Notch1 and Manic Fringe display temporal and spatial changes of expression, suggesting that they may intervene as modulators of trichocyte activities.

A role for p75 neurotrophin receptor in the control of hair follicle morphogenesis

During hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis, p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) reportedly is the first growth factor receptor found to be expressed by those fibroblasts that later develop into the dermal papilla (DP) of the HF. However, the functional role of p75NTR in HF morphogenesis is still unknown. Studying HF development in fetal and neonatal C57BL/6 murine back skin, we show that p75NTR-immunoreactivity (IR) is prominently expressed by DP fibroblasts as well as by skin nerves during the early steps of HF development. In contrast, p75NTR-IR disappears from the DP in the fully developed HF and it is expressed only in the epithelial outer root sheath of the HF. Compared to age-matched wild-type animals, p75NTR knockout (-/-) mice show significant acceleration of HF morphogenesis, and DP fibroblasts of p75NTR knockout mice show reduced proliferative activity in situ, indicating alterations in their transition from proliferation to differentiation. Although no significant differences in the expression of adhesion molecules (NCAM), selected morphogens (TGFbeta-2, HGF/SF, FGF-2, KGF), or their receptors (TGFbetaR-II, m-met, FGFR-1) were seen between DP of p75NTR knockout and wild-type mice, p75NTR mutants showed a prominent upregulation of FGFR-2, a high-affinity receptor for KGF, in both follicular DP and epithelium. Furthermore, the administration of anti-KGF neutralizing antibody significantly inhibited acceleration of HF morphogenesis in p75NTR knockout mice in vivo. These observations suggest that p75NTR plays an important role during HF morphogenesis, functioning as a receptor that negatively controls HF development, most likely via alterations in DP fibroblast proliferation/differentiation and via downregulation of KGF/FGFR-2 signaling in the HF.

A comprehensive guide for the recognition and classification of distinct stages of hair follicle morphogenesis

Numerous spontaneous and experimentally induced mouse mutations develop a hair phenotype, which is often associated with more or less discrete abnormalities in hair follicle development. In order to recognize these, it is critically important to be able to determine and to classify accurately the major stages of normal murine hair follicle morphogenesis. As an aid, we propose a pragmatic and comprehensive guide, modified after previous suggestions by Hardy, and provide a list of easily recognizable classification criteria, illustrated by representative micrographs. Basic and more advanced criteria are distinguished, the former being applicable to all mouse strains and requiring only simple histologic stains (hematoxylin and eosin, Giemsa, periodic acid Schiff, alkaline phosphatase activity), the latter serving as auxiliary criteria, which require a pigmented mouse strain (like C57BL/6J) or immunohistochemistry (interleukin-1 receptor type I, transforming growth factor-beta receptor type II). In addition, we present simplified, computer-generated schematic drawings for the standardized recording and reporting of gene and antigen expression patterns during hair follicle development. This classification aid serves as a basic introduction into the field of hair follicle morphogenesis, aims at standardizing the presentation of related hair research data, and should become a useful tool when screening new mouse mutants for discrete abnormalities of hair follicle morphogenesis (compared with the respective wild type) in a highly reproducible, easily applicable, and quantifiable manner.

Lineage-restricted neural precursors can be isolated from both the mouse neural tube and cultured ES cells

We have previously identified multipotent neuroepithelial (NEP) stem cells and lineage-restricted, self-renewing precursor cells termed NRPs (neuron-restricted precursors) and GRPs (glial-restricted precursors) present in the developing rat spinal cord (A. Kalyani, K. Hobson, and M. S. Rao, 1997, Dev. Biol. 186, 202-223; M. S. Rao and M. Mayer-Proschel, 1997, Dev. Biol. 188, 48-63; M. Mayer-Proschel, A. J. Kalyani, T. Mujtaba, and M. S. Rao, 1997, Neuron 19, 773-785). We now show that cells identical to rat NEPs, NRPs, and GRPs are present in mouse neural tubes and that immunoselection against cell surface markers E-NCAM and A2B5 can be used to isolate NRPs and GRPs, respectively. Restricted precursors similar to NRPs and GRPs can also be isolated from mouse embryonic stem cells (ES cells). ES cell-derived NRPs are E-NCAM immunoreactive, undergo self-renewal in defined medium, and differentiate into multiple neuronal phenotypes in mass culture. ES cells also generate A2B5-immunoreactive cells that are similar to E9 NEP-cell-derived GRPs and can differentiate into oligodendrocytes and astrocytes. Thus, lineage restricted precursors can be generated in vitro from cultured ES cells and these restricted precursors resemble those derived from mouse neural tubes. These results demonstrate the utility of using ES cells as a source of late embryonic precursor cells.

E- and P-cadherin expression during murine hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling

The role of adhesion molecules in the control of hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis, regression and cycling is still rather enigmatic. Since the adhesion molecules E- and P-cadherin (Ecad and Pcad) are functionally important, e.g. during embryonic pattern formation, we have studied their expression patterns during neonatal HF morphogenesis and cycling in C57/BL6 mice by immunohistology and semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The expression of both cadherins was strikingly hair cycle-dependent and restricted to distinct anatomical HF compartments. During HF morphogenesis, hair bud keratinocytes displayed strong Ecad and Pcad immunoreactivity (IR). While neonatal epidermis showed Ecad IR in all epidermal layers, Pcad IR was restricted to the basal layer. During later stages of HF morphogenesis and during anagen IV-VI of the adolescent murine hair cycle, the outer root sheath showed strong E- and Pcad IR. Instead, the outermost portion of the hair matrix and the inner root sheath displayed isolated Ecad IR, while the innermost portion of the hair matrix exhibited isolated Pcad IR. During telogen, all epidermal and follicular keratinocytes showed strong Ecad IR. This is in contrast to Pcad, whose IR was stringently restricted to matrix and secondary hair germ keratinocytes which are in closest proximity to the dermal papilla. These findings suggest that isolated or combined E- and/or Pcad expression is involved in follicular pattern formation by segregating HF keratinocytes into functionally distinct subpopulations; most notably, isolated Pcad expression may segregate those hair matrix keratinocytes into one functional epithelial tissue unit, which is particularly susceptible to growth control by dermal papilla-derived morphogens. The next challenge is to define which secreted agents implicated in hair growth control modulate these follicular cadherin expression patterns, and to define how these basic parameters of HF topobiology are altered during common hair growth disorders.

Noggin is a mesenchymally derived stimulator of hair-follicle induction

The induction of developmental structures derived from the ectoderm, such as the neural tube or tooth, occurs through neutralization of the inhibitory activity of members of the bone-morphogenetic protein (BMP) family by BMP antagonists. Here we show that, during hair-follicle development, the neural inducer and BMP-neutralizing protein Noggin is expressed in the follicular mesenchyme, that noggin-knockout mice show significant retardation of hair-follicle induction, and that Noggin neutralizes the inhibitory action of BMP-4 and stimulates hair-follicle induction in embryonic skin organ culture. As a crucial mesenchymal signal that stimulates hair-follicle induction, Noggin operates through antagonistic interactions with BMP-4, which result in upregulation of the transcription factor Lef-1 and the cell-adhesion molecule NCAM, as well as through BMP4-independent downregulation of the 75 kD neurotrophin receptor in the developing hair follicle.

The role of the hairless (hr) gene in the regulation of hair follicle catagen transformation

Mice that carry a mutation at the hairless (hr) locus develop seemingly normal hair follicles (HF) but shed their hairs completely soon after birth. Histologically, their HFs degenerate into characteristic utriculi and dermal cysts shortly after the entry of the HF into the first regression phase (catagen), during the initiation of HF cycling. Here, we show that at least nine distinct stages of HF disintegration can be distinguished in hr/hr mice. Toward the end of HF morphogenesis (day 15 postpartum) the proximal hair bulb in hr/hr skin undergoes premature and massive apoptosis. This is associated with a dyscoordination of cell proliferation in defined HF compartments, malpositioning of the proximal inner root sheath, striking atrophy of outer root sheath, and failure of trichilemmal keratinization in the developing club hair. Rather than undergoing their normal catagen-associated involution, the hair bulb and central outer root sheath disintegrate into separate cell clusters, thus disrupting all epithelial contact with the dermal papilla. Dermal papilla fibroblasts fail to migrate upward, and break up into clusters of shrunken cells stranded in the reticular dermis as dermal cyst precursors, while the upper HF epithelium transforms into utriculi. Some dermal papilla cells, which normally never undergo apoptosis, also become TUNEL+ in hr/hr skin, and their normally high expression of a key adhesion molecule, neural cell adhesion molecule, declines. Thus, loss of a functional hr gene product (a putative zinc finger transcription factor) initiates a premature, highly dysregulated catagen, which results in the destruction of the normal HF architecture and abrogates the HF's ability to cycle. This provides new insights into the pathobiology of the hr mutation, and suggests that the normal hr gene product is a crucial element of catagen control.