Transdifferentiation of Corneal Epithelium Into Epidermis Occurs by Means of a Multistep Process Triggered by Dermal Developmental Signals

The study demonstrated that corneal epithelium could transdifferentiate into hair and interfollicular epidermis through a multistep process triggered by dermal developmental signals. This process began with the dedifferentiation of corneal cells, influenced by Wnt signaling, leading to a phenotype similar to the basal layer of the limbus. The dedifferentiated cells then responded to additional signals, including Noggin, to form hair follicles and eventually interfollicular epidermis. The study highlighted the roles of Wnt/β-catenin and Noggin/BMP signaling pathways and the importance of Pax6 in maintaining corneal identity. The findings suggested that committed cells could change fate under specific conditions, challenging traditional views of cell differentiation in mammals.