Localization of the Novel Hair Shaft Protein VSIG8 in the Hair Follicle, Nail Unit and Oral Cavity

The molecular bases of diseases of the epidermal appendages are gradually being elucidated as genes encoding their constituents and regulation are defined. A direct correspondence between altered protein sequence and aberrant hair shaft structure is evident in cases such as monilethrix (Schweizer, 2006). In others, gene defects lead to altered development and thus perturbed regulation of components. Identification of prominent constituents will speed recognition of genes whose defects contribute directly to aberrant structure or indirectly by exacerbating effects of deficiencies in other genes. Present work helps characterize the novel component V-set and immunoglobulin domain containing 8 (VSIG8) in hair shaft and nail plate to assist understanding its possible relation to disease states.