Faculty Opinions Recommendation of Dermal Sheath Contraction Powers Stem Cell Niche Relocation During Hair Cycle Regression

March 2020 in “ Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ”

Jiro Kishimoto, Yumiko Ishimatsu‐Tsuji

dermal sheath hair follicle regression stem cell niche relocation smooth muscle contractile machinery calcium-calmodulin-myosin light chain kinase pathway

TLDR The dermal sheath's contraction is crucial for hair follicle regression and stem cell relocation.

The study identified the dermal sheath as a key driver of hair follicle regression and niche relocation during the hair cycle. This process was powered by the smooth muscle contractile machinery, which generated centripetal constriction force. The calcium-calmodulin-myosin light chain kinase pathway was found to control sheath contraction. Blocking this pathway inhibited sheath contraction, thereby impeding follicle regression and niche relocation. The findings highlighted the role of the dermal sheath in reuniting the niche and stem cells to regenerate tissue structure during homeostasis.

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