The Citrullinating Enzyme PADI4 Governs Progenitor Cell Proliferation and Translation in Developing Hair Follicles

This study explores the role of the enzyme PADI4 in hair follicle development, particularly its effect on progenitor cell proliferation and protein translation. PADI4 acts as a negative regulator, restricting proliferation in LEF1-positive progenitor cells, which results in longer hair shafts in PADI4 knockout mice. The enzyme citrullinates proteins involved in mRNA processing and ribosomal biogenesis, leading to increased protein synthesis and ribosomal RNA transcription when absent. PADI4 also interacts with the translational inhibitor 4E-BP1, affecting its function. The research, involving 15 mouse skin samples, highlights PADI4's significant role in balancing proliferation and differentiation in hair follicle progenitor cells, offering insights into hair growth and potential therapeutic strategies for hair loss.