Molecular Regulation of Secondary Hair Follicle Stem Cell by S100a4 in Cashmere Goat

January 2026 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”

Xinyue Liang, Bohan Liu, Jiayi Wang, Yanlei Liu, Yiping Wei, Hongji Yu, Junpeng Zhang, Shufen Zhang, Huiling Xue

S100a4 secondary hair follicle stem cells HFSCs hair follicle regeneration anagen phase hair matrix cells keratins stem cell pluripotency

TLDR S100a4 is key for hair growth in cashmere goats.

The study identifies S100a4 as a crucial regulator of secondary hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) in cashmere goats, with a significant role in hair follicle regeneration. S100a4 expression peaks during the anagen phase and is higher in HFSCs than in hair matrix cells, indicating its involvement in follicle activation. It promotes HFSC differentiation and maintains stem cell pluripotency without affecting proliferation. Proteomic analysis shows S100A4's interaction with keratins, suggesting its structural and regulatory role in HFSC fate. These findings propose S100a4 as a potential target for enhancing cashmere fiber production. The study involved six cashmere goats.

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