Differential Expression of Keratin and Keratin Associated Proteins Are Linked with Hair Loss Condition in Spontaneously Mutated Inbred Mice

The study investigates hair loss in spontaneously mutated inbred C57BL/6 mice, which exhibit a delayed catagen phase in the hair cycle, leading to cyclic alopecia. The research identifies significant differential expression of genes related to keratinization, such as Krt16, Alox15, and Msx2, with Krt6b levels notably higher in hair loss mice across all hair cycle stages. These findings suggest that the abnormal expression of these genes contributes to the hair loss phenotype. The study provides a model for understanding hair loss mechanisms and developing potential treatments for alopecia.