Molecular and Spatial Design of Early Skin Development

This study uses single-cell transcriptomics, spatial cell-type assignment, and cell-lineage tracing to investigate the development of early embryonic mouse skin. The research uncovers the progression from uniform developmental precursors to a complex, multilayered epithelium with diverse cell types and tissue architecture. Key findings include the identification of fibroblasts involved in hair follicle induction, muscle support, and fascia formation, as well as the early formation 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 single-layered epidermis and a signaling-rich periderm layer. This cellular blueprint of skin development provides important histological landmarks and insights into the dynamic interactions among skin cells during early development.