The more hyaluronic acid is formed, the more wrinkles the Shar Pei has.
All SharPeis are based on a mutation of a regulatory gene of HAS2 (hyaluronic acid synthetase 2) on chromosome 13. This mutation is known as CNV (Copy Number Variation), which means that the number of mutations in each individual varies. In all Shar Peis it is present at least twice, but it can also be present in higher numbers. The more copies there are, the higher the activity of HAS2 and the more hyaluronic acid is formed and incorporated into the tissue as a basic substance. The skin becomes looser, thicker, contains more water and more wrinkles and a characteristic thick pout are formed.