Role of Beta-Catenin Signaling in Adult Epidermal Cell Fate Specification

The study investigated the role of β-catenin signaling in adult epidermal cell fate using transgenic mice. Activation of β-catenin signaling prompted resting hair follicles to enter the growth phase and led to the formation of new ectopic hair follicles from existing follicles, interfollicular epidermis, and sebaceous glands. These ectopic follicles developed into trichofolliculomas. While transient activation of β-catenin was sufficient to initiate hair follicle morphogenesis, continuous activation was necessary to sustain hair follicle tumors. The study demonstrated that the level and duration of β-catenin signaling influenced the number and timing of ectopic hair follicle formation, with new follicles forming without significantly disrupting the existing stem cell compartment.