Cell Cycle Controls Long-Range Calcium Signaling in the Regenerating Epidermis

The study explores the role of calcium (Ca2+) signaling in the regenerating epidermis, focusing on the basal stem cell layer. It highlights that G2 phase cells are crucial for maintaining coordinated Ca2+ signaling, which is essential for epidermal regeneration. The research shows that G2 cells exhibit more uniform Ca2+ signaling patterns compared to other cell cycle phases, and their depletion disrupts signaling dynamics. Connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junctions facilitate long-range Ca2+ signaling, although G2 cells can maintain signaling with low Cx43 levels. The study uses advanced imaging and machine learning techniques to analyze Ca2+ dynamics, providing insights into the complex signaling networks in regenerative tissues. The research involved multiple mice, with specific experiments using 3 to 9 mice, depending on the analysis.