TLDR Epidermal Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls fat cell formation and hair growth.
The study investigated the role of epidermal Wnt/β-catenin signaling in adipocyte differentiation, finding that activation of this pathway in the epidermis led to the secretion of adipogenic factors, promoting the differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes. This process was independent of hair follicle formation and was demonstrated using K14Cre/CatnbFlox(ex3)/+ mice, which showed increased adipocyte presence and differentiation markers. The study identified key factors such as Igf2 and Bmp6 involved in this process and suggested that periodic activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in keratinocytes during the hair cycle could synchronize hair follicle growth and adipocyte layer thickness, offering potential therapeutic targets for obesity and metabolic disorders.
150 citations,
December 2012 in “EMBO Reports” Stem cell self-renewal is complex and needs more research for full understanding.
128 citations,
October 2011 in “Development” Activating a protein called β-catenin in adult skin can make it behave like young skin, potentially helping with skin aging and hair loss.
499 citations,
September 2011 in “Cell” Fat-related cells are important for initiating hair growth.
84 citations,
December 2008 in “Developmental biology” Retinoic acid-binding proteins in skin are regulated by β-catenin and Notch signalling.
21 citations,
May 2022 in “Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology” Hair growth and health are influenced by factors like age, environment, and nutrition, and are controlled by various molecular pathways. Red light can promote hair growth, and understanding these processes can help treat hair-related diseases.
21 citations,
May 2016 in “Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine” MMP-2 and MMP-9 help hair grow, while their inhibitors peak when hair growth slows.
April 2016 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Wnt ligands, produced by dermal papilla cells, are essential for adult hair growth and regeneration.
