c-Maf and MafB transcription factors are differentially expressed in Huxley's and Henle's layers of the inner root sheath of the hair follicle and regulate cuticle formation.

Background: The hair follicle of mammalian skin consists of a group of concentric epithelial cell layers. The inner root sheath (IRS), which surrounds the hardening hair shaft beneath the skin surface, is subdivided into three layers, termed the cuticle of the IRS, Huxley's layer, and Henle's layer. The IRS forms a follicular wall in the hair canal and helps guide the developing hair shaft.