Expression and location of phospho-Artemis (Serine516) in hair follicles during induced growth of mouse hair

Artemis has been implicated in having a role in NHEJ, and it is also a multifunctional protein. Previous studies have found Omenn syndrome-like phenotype due to Artemis mutations and associated with alopecia. As Artemis phosphorylation in its c-terminus including Serine516 is prerequisite for the Artemis endonuclease reaction, we postulate that Artemis (Serine516) may be expressed in hair follicle and relate to hair cycling. In this study, hair growth in C57BL/6 mice was induced by plucking the telogen hair on the back. Expression of Artemis (Serine516) in hair follicles during the hair growth cycle was evaluated by immunofluorescence using cryosections and a specific polyclonal anti-Artemis (Serine516) immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody. It was detected in germ cells, cap, and club hair adjoining the epidermis in telogen. In anagen II, intense staining for Artemis (Serine516) was found in the whole interfollicular epidermis, and in strand keratinocytes. In anagen IV, intense staining for Artemis (Serine516) was detected in basal cells and upper of outer root sheath (ORS) and inner root sheath (IRS). But only upper ORS and lower medulla were stained positive in anagen VI. Upper ORS and lower cortex were positively stained with Artemis (Serine516) in catagen. Based on the phenomenon that the expression of Artemis (Serine516) in mid-anagen and mature anagen was stronger than that in telogen and catagen, we suggest it may take roles in induced growth of mouse hair.