Lhx2 binds to the promoter regions of the Sox9, Tcf4 and Lgr5 genes in keratinocytes. Lhx2 binds to the promoter regions of the Sox9, Tcf4 and Lgr5 genes in keratinocytes. Mouse keratinocytes isolated from adult telogen skin were processed for ChIP-qPCR analysis with an antibody against Lhx2 or purified goat IgG. HaCaT keratinocytes were processed for detection of the Sox9 and Tcf4 promoter activities. (A) Sox9, Tcf4 and Lgr5 promoter regions with putative Lim-homeodomain DNA-binding sites or control sites predicted by bioinformatic analysis. (B) ChIP-qPCR analysis of the distinct regions in the Sox9, Tcf4 and Lgr5 promoters, showing enrichment with Lhx2 antibody compared with IgG controls (mean±s.e.m., n=3; *P<0.05, Student’s t-test). (C) HaCaT keratinocytes were transfected with the reporter plasmids containing mouse Sox9 or Tcf4 promoter fragments, as well as with Lhx2-containing vector or with pCDN3 control vector. Increase in the pSox9-Luc or pTcf4-Luc activities versus controls (mean±s.e.m., n=3; *P<0.05, Student’s t-test). (D) The involvement of Lhx2 in the control of the hair follicle response to skin injury. Andrei N. Mardaryev et al. Development 2011;138:4843-4852 © 2011.