The role of palmitoylation in hair follicle and epidermal stem cell biology

Using mouse genetics, we have shown that mutation of a palmitoylation enzyme, Dhhc21, gives rise to profound defects in the differentiation and homeostasis of the skin. As the only readily reversible lipid protein modification, we believe palmitoylation dynamically controls cell behaviour in a manner similar to phosphorylation or glycosylation. This proposal represents the first in vivo study of this activity in higher eukaryotes. We will explore the previously unknown importance of this modification in shaping the biology of tissues and organs through systematic analysis of novel and known targets genes and through phenotypic analysis of a unique animal model.