Abstract
We have generated transgenic mice carrying the URR of the human
papillomavirus type 11 ligated in front of the Escherichia coli
beta-galactosidase coding region sequence. Using X-Gal staining to
demonstrate P-galactosidase production, we observed a hair-specific
transcription of the reporter gene. This transcription was limited to
the epithelial cells of the hair bulge region. The transgene was
developmentally regulated, as no LacZ staining was demonstrated during
embryogenesis and specific staining was first observed after birth.
Surprisingly, dexamethasone and ultraviolet B, but not phorbol myristate
acetate or progesterone treatment of the animals resulted in an increase
in number and intensity of hair follicles expressing the reporter gene.