ANXA1 affects murine hair follicle growth through EGF signaling pathway

Annexin A1 (ANXA1), a calcium-dependent phospholipid binding protein expressed in animals, plants and microorganisms, participates in various cellular physiological activities. Previous proteomics analysis indicates that the level of ANXA1 in mice dorsal skin changes during hair growth cycle, we speculate that ANXA1 may play an important role in hair follicle (HF) development. Thus, Anxa1 knock-out (KO) and over-expression (OE) mice were constructed to test its function. Our results showed that in addition to the diameter of HF and hair shaft, ANXA1 could participate in hair growth by affecting the density of HF, and the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). Meanwhile, molecular analysis showed that EGF signaling pathway is involved in the function of ANXA1. The expression of Anxal is negatively correlated with the levels of Egf, Notch1, Mkk7, and phosphorylated AKT1 and ERK/2 proteins. The levels of Egf, Notch1, Mkk7 and phosphorylation of AKT1 and ERK/2 increased in Anxa1 KO mice but decreased in Anxal OE mice. Taken together, our results suggested that ANXA1 could affect the hair growth by regulating the HFSCs proliferation through EGF signaling pathway.

Automated summary

Studies have shown that ANXA1 plays a crucial role in hair growth in mice by affecting hair follicle density and the proliferation of hair follicle stem cells. Additionally, ANXA1's function in hair growth is mediated through the EGF signaling pathway, with molecular analysis revealing negative correlations between ANxal expression and levels of EGF, Notch1, Mkk7, and phosphorylated AKT1 and ERK/2 proteins.