Differential Sensitivity of Epidermal Cell Subpopulations to Beta-Catenin-Induced Ectopic Hair Follicle Formation

April 2010 in “ Developmental Biology ”

Christopher M. Baker, Annemieke Verstuyf, Kim B. Jensen, Fiona M. Watt, Christopher M. Baker, Annemieke Verstuyf, Kim B. Jensen, Fiona M. Watt

β-catenin ectopic hair follicle formation epidermal cell populations 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen stabilized beta-catenin transgene interfollicular epidermis hair follicle bulge anagen sebaceous gland Wnt-induced hair follicle differentiation beta-catenin tamoxifen Wnt signaling

TLDR Sebaceous glands can form new hair follicles when activated, but hair follicle bulges cannot.

The study explored how different epidermal cell subpopulations in transgenic mice responded to β-catenin-induced ectopic hair follicle formation. It was found that β-catenin activation in the sebaceous glands (SG) and outer root sheath (ORS) led to ectopic follicle formation, while activation in the bulge did not. The study demonstrated that the ability to form ectopic follicles depended on the specific epidermal subpopulation and its environment, with the SG and ORS being more responsive than the bulge. Additionally, treatment with a vitamin D analogue enhanced ectopic hair follicle differentiation in the ORS and hair follicle bulb. These findings highlighted the role of β-catenin and Wnt signaling in hair follicle development and the plasticity of adult epidermis.

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