Dermal niche signaling and epidermal stem cells

    Sophie Frech, Agnes Forsthuber, Ana Korosec, Beate M. Lichtenberger
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    TLDR Skin health and repair depend on the signals between skin stem cells and their surrounding cells.
    The document from 2019 explores the intricate relationship between dermal niche signaling and epidermal stem cells, particularly focusing on skin architecture, cellular diversity, and the role of dermal fibroblasts in skin regeneration and hair follicle development. It reveals that the skin consists of the epidermis and dermis, with the latter containing diverse fibroblast lineages originating from a common progenitor and committing to specific lineages during embryogenesis. These fibroblasts are crucial for skin development, homeostasis, and repair, and they exhibit distinct gene expression profiles based on their anatomical origins. The study identifies markers for different fibroblast subsets and discusses the importance of signaling pathways like WNT/β-catenin, TGF-β, BMP, FGFs, SHH, and Notch in embryonic skin development and hair follicle morphogenesis. It also highlights the role of fibroblasts in hair cycle regulation and wound healing, noting that different fibroblast populations respond to epidermal stem cell signals and that fibroblasts and adipocytes are essential for tissue regeneration. Additionally, the document discusses the impact of aging and environmental factors such as UV radiation on fibroblast function, which leads to reduced collagen synthesis, increased oxidative stress, and potential contributions to age-related hair loss. The conclusion emphasizes the significance of understanding the reciprocal signaling between epidermal stem cells and their microenvironment for advancements in regenerative medicine.
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