The Involvement of Elf5 in Regulating Keratinocyte Proliferation and Differentiation Processes in Skin

The study identifies E74-like factor 5 (Elf5) as a crucial regulator of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in skin and hair follicles, with its expression localized in stem/progenitor cell populations. Elf5 influences the balance between proliferation and differentiation, acting as a regulatory switch in keratinocyte and stem cell behavior. It inhibits keratinocyte proliferation by downregulating cell cycle genes and promotes differentiation by increasing differentiation-associated markers. Overexpression of Elf5 leads to G0 cell cycle arrest, while its loss results in increased proliferation. The research suggests Elf5 as a potential therapeutic target for skin abnormalities and provides a foundation for advancements in stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and aging. Further exploration is needed to understand its role in stem cell and cancer biology.