Acer1 (alkaline ceramidase 1) encodes a ceramidase involved in the hydrolization of ceramide into sphingosine. Acer1 is expressed in the interfolliclar epidermis, hair follicle and sebaceous gland and is involved in epidermal homeostasis. A beta-galactosidase containing cassette disrupts the entire Acer1 coding region in this knock-out/reporter strain. Homozygous knock-out mice exhibit progressive hair loss (alopecia) beginning at 2-3 months of age. Loss of ACER1 results in an increase in certain types of ceramides and sphingoid bases, a wider, irregular hair follicle infundibulum, impaired lipid secretion from the sebaceous glands, and a reduction in hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) survival with a corresponding increase in HFSC proliferation. Homozygous mice are viable and fertile, although the donating investigator reports a decreased fertility in homozygous males. This strain may be useful for studying ceramide metabolism in the epidermis and its relationship to hair follicle structure and function.

Acer1 (alkaline ceramidase 1) knock-out/lacZ reporter mice exhibit a progressive hair loss (alopeicia) beginning at 2-3 months of age. This strain may be useful for studying ceramide metabolism in the epidermis and its relationship to hair follicle structure and function.

This strain is hosted by NIH's MMRRC, which partners with JAX for the distribution of this and other strains. For additional information and to purchase, please visit the MMRRC site.