Molecular and Spatial Landmarks of Early Mouse Skin Development

This study provides a detailed analysis of early embryonic mouse skin development using single-cell transcriptomics, spatial cell-type assignment, and cell-lineage tracing. The research maps out the progression from uniform developmental precursors to a complex, multilayered epithelium with diverse cell types. Key findings include the identification of fibroblasts responsible for hair follicle induction, muscle support, and fascia formation, as well as the development of the panniculus carnosus muscle, blood vessels lacking pericyte coverage, and the initial presence of mast and dendritic immune cells in the skin. Additionally, the study reveals unexpected epithelial heterogeneity within the early single-layered epidermis and a signaling-rich periderm layer. This comprehensive cellular and molecular blueprint of skin development provides valuable histological landmarks and sheds light on dynamic cell interactions, with resources available for further exploration at the provided website.