Expression Characteristics of bFGF, EGF, TGF-β Isoforms and Their Receptors in Skin from Fetus and Adult

The study observed the expression of bFGF, EGF, TGF-β isoforms, and their receptors in 35 skin specimens, including 30 from fetuses at various developmental stages and 5 from adults. It found that these growth factors and their receptors were present in both fetal and adult skin, primarily in the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix of epidermal cells, endothelial cells, hair follicle epithelial cells, and some fibroblasts. The expression of these proteins increased with gestational age, with significantly higher levels in late trimester fetuses and adults compared to early trimester fetuses. The findings suggested that these factors play a role in skin development during the embryonic stage, maintaining skin structure and function, and wound healing in adults. The lower levels of these factors in early gestational fetuses might explain why fetal skin wounds heal by regeneration rather than scarring.