Expression and Function of Keratinocyte Growth Factor and Activin in Skin Morphogenesis and Cutaneous Wound Repair

The study highlighted the roles of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) and activin in skin morphogenesis and wound repair. KGF, which is weakly expressed in normal skin but upregulated after injury, promotes keratinocyte proliferation, migration, and protection from oxidative damage. Activin, minimally present in nonwounded skin, is highly expressed in hyperproliferative wound epithelium and granulation tissue. Transgenic mice overexpressing activin showed enhanced granulation tissue formation, indicating its significant role in wound healing. The findings underscored the importance of both KGF and activin in the repair processes of injured skin.