Shh Gene Regulates Proliferation and Apoptosis of Dermal Papilla Cells in Secondary Hair Follicle Growth Cycle of Cashmere Goats

The study investigates the role of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) gene in the secondary hair follicle growth cycle of cashmere goats, focusing on its impact on dermal papilla cells (DPCs). Using Inner Mongolia Albas white cashmere goats, researchers analyzed skin samples at various growth stages and employed techniques like RT-qPCR and Western blot to assess Shh expression. They found that Shh expression is highest during anagen, decreases in catagen, and is lowest in telogen. Shh is primarily expressed in the inner and outer root sheaths and secondary hair follicle papilla. Overexpression of Shh enhances DPC proliferation and vitality, while interference increases apoptosis, suggesting that Shh regulates downstream genes (Ptch, Smo, Gli2) to promote DPC proliferation, influencing the hair follicle growth cycle.