Bone Morphogenetic Proteins and Their Antagonists in Skin and Hair Follicle Biology

The 2002 study by Vladimir A. Botchkarev explored the role of Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) in skin and hair follicle biology. BMPs, part of the transforming growth factor-ß superfamily, were found to regulate various biological responses in different cells and tissues during embryonic development and postnatal life. BMPs, their receptors, and antagonists showed stringent spatiotemporal expressions patterns to achieve proper regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation in the epidermis and in the hair follicle. BMPs were involved in the control of epidermal homeostasis, hair follicle growth, and melanogenesis, and were implicated in various pathobiologic processes in skin, including wound healing, psoriasis, and carcinogenesis. The study suggested that pharmacologic modulation of BMP signaling could be used as a new approach for managing skin and hair disorders.