Characterization and functional analysis of SIAH1 during skin and hair follicle development in the angora rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

BACKGROUND: Seven in absentia homolog 1 (SIAH1) is an E3 ubiquitin ligase containing a RING-finger domain and a key regulator of normal development. Skin and hair follicle development is a complex and special process of morphogenesis involving multiple signaling pathways. SIAH1 is enriched in the Wnt signaling pathway and potentially related to hair follicle cycle and skin development. This study aims to provide evidence for the role of SIAH1 in skin and hair development.

RESULTS: Full-length cloning and analysis of SIAH1 was conducted to better understand its function. Phylogenetically, the sequence of SIAH1 in the rabbit shares the greatest homology with Home sapiens, Pongo abelii and Mus mulatta. Based on the rabbit hair follicle synchronization model, we found that the expression level of SIAH1 in the regressive period of the rabbit hair cycle is significantly lower than in the active growth and rest periods. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of skin and hair follicle development-related genes changed significantly when SIAH1 was overexpressed and silenced. After SIAH1 overexpression, the expression levels of WNT2, LEF1 and FGF2 decreased, and those of SFRP2 and DKK1 increased (P < 0.05). After interference of SIAH1, the expression levels of WNT2, LEF1 and FGF2 increased (P < 0.05), and SFRP2 and DKK1 decreased.

CONCLUSIONS: SIAH1 can affect skin and hair follicle development and exert an inhibitory effect. These results could provide foundamental insights into the role of SIAH1 as a target gene in rabbit skin and hair follicle development.