Expression of EGF, IGF-I, and IGF-IR Gene in Mink's Skin and Hair Follicles During Pelting Period

January 2014 in “ China Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine ”

Zhang Hai-hu

epidermal growth factor insulin-like growth factor I insulin-like growth factor I receptor hair follicles epidermal cells outer root sheath cells EGF IGF-I IGF-IR

TLDR EGF, IGF-I, and IGF-IR genes are crucial for mink skin and hair growth.

The study investigated the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and its receptor (IGF-IR) in mink skin and hair follicles during the pelting period using histological methods and immunohistochemistry. It found strong positive expression of these genes in the epidermal cells and outer root sheath cells, primarily located in the cell nuclei. The widespread expression of these genes suggested they played a crucial role in the regulation and development of mink skin and hair follicles.