Characterization of CD4+ Stem Cells of the Skin and Their Role in Skin Homeostasis and Tumorigenesis

This study explores the role of cell competition in maintaining genomic quality in epidermal stem cells and proposes that this process might influence cancer development in skin tissues.

In a keratinocyte-specific knockout mouse model, this study found that deleting GRK2 disrupted hair follicle homeostasis, causing cyst-like structures, abnormal growth patterns, and eventual hair loss, suggesting potential links to immune-mediated alopecias.

This review found that different monosaccharide compositions in polysaccharides from 72 medicinal plants are linked to varying biological activities, with glucans, galactans, mannans, fructans, and pectins showing significant roles in immunomodulation, antioxidant effects, and other health benefits.

The researchers reviewed cepharanthine, a long-used bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, for its antiviral properties, including significant inhibition of SARS-CoV-2. They discussed cepharanthine's other pharmacological actions, highlighted plasma membrane fluidity as a key antiviral mechanism, and examined its safety, bioavailability, and potential for new clinical applications.

This study found that ectopic expression of Whn in transgenic mice caused impaired differentiation in epidermis and hair follicles, with hair growth defects and severe urinary tract issues leading to hydronephrosis.