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Published on: February 28, 2013
Dicer- and Bulge Stem Cell-Dependent MicroRNAs During Induced Anagen Hair Follicle Development
Neda Vishlaghi1, Thomas S Lisse1,2
1Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States.
Abstract:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a major class of conserved non-coding RNAs that have a wide range of functions during development and disease. Biogenesis of canonical miRNAs depend on the cytoplasmic processing of pre-miRNAs to mature miRNAs by the Dicer endoribonuclease. Once mature miRNAs are generated, the miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC), or miRISC, incorporates one strand of miRNAs as a template for recognizing complementary target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to dictate post-transcriptional gene expression. Besides regulating miRNA biogenesis, Dicer is also part of miRISC to assist in activation of the complex. Dicer associates with other regulatory miRISC co-factors such as trans-activation responsive RNA-binding protein 2 (Tarbp2) to regulate miRNA-based RNA interference. Although the functional role of miRNAs within epidermal keratinocytes has been extensively studied within embryonic mouse skin, its contribution to the normal function of hair follicle bulge stem cells (BSCs) during post-natal hair follicle development is unclear. With this question in mind, we sought to ascertain whether Dicer-Tarpb2 plays a functional role within BSCs during induced anagen development by utilizing conditional knockout mouse models. Our findings suggest that Dicer, but not Tarbp2, functions within BSCs to regulate induced anagen (growth phase) development of post-natal hair follicles. These findings strengthen our understanding of miRNA-dependency within hair follicle cells during induced anagen development.
Insights
Dicer, but not Tarbp2, is crucial for hair follicle stem cell function during the hair growth cycle. This study clarifies the role of microRNAs in regulating hair follicle development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression with diverse roles in development and disease.
- Dicer and Tarbp2 are essential proteins involved in miRNA biogenesis and function within the miRNA-induced silencing complex (miRISC).
- The specific role of miRNAs in hair follicle bulge stem cells (BSCs) during post-natal hair development remains largely uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional significance of Dicer and Tarbp2 in hair follicle bulge stem cells (BSCs) during induced anagen development.
- To determine whether Dicer-Tarpb2 complex is essential for regulating the hair growth cycle in post-natal mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized conditional knockout mouse models to specifically delete Dicer and Tarbp2 in BSCs.
- Analyzed the effects of these genetic modifications on hair follicle development and the induction of the anagen (growth) phase.
- Examined the expression and function of Dicer and Tarbp2 in the context of hair follicle stem cell regulation.
Main Results:
- Conditional knockout of Dicer in BSCs significantly impaired induced anagen development.
- Knockout of Tarbp2 in BSCs did not affect induced anagen development, indicating a Dicer-specific role.
- Dicer, independent of Tarbp2, plays a critical role in regulating hair follicle stem cell activity during the hair growth cycle.
Conclusions:
- Dicer is essential for regulating induced anagen development in post-natal hair follicles.
- Tarbp2 is dispensable for this process, highlighting a specific requirement for Dicer in hair follicle stem cell function.
- These findings elucidate the miRNA-dependent mechanisms governing hair follicle regeneration and development.
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