Growth Retardation and Hair Loss in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Human H-Ferritin Gene

The study investigated the effects of overexpressing the human H-ferritin gene in transgenic mice (hHF-tg). Two independent lines of these mice were created, both of which were viable but exhibited reduced body size compared to wild-type mice between 4-12 weeks of age. Despite normal serum iron levels and blood parameters, the hHF-tg mice experienced temporary hair loss on their trunks between 3-5 weeks of age. Histological analysis showed normal initial hair development, but during the hairless period, the mice had epidermal hyperplasia, hyperkeratosis, dilated hair follicles, bent hair shafts, and keratinous debris. The findings suggested that overexpression of the human H-ferritin gene led to mild growth retardation and a temporary hairless phenotype, highlighting the physiological roles of H-ferritin and the utility of hHF-tg mice in studying its in vivo functions.