Rare Gli1+ Perivascular Fibroblasts Promote Skin Wound Repair

The study demonstrated that a specific subpopulation of Gli1+ perivascular fibroblasts played a crucial role in skin wound repair. These cells, located in the perivascular niche, were identified as a source for wound-healing fibroblasts. Upon injury, Gli1+ adventitial cells expanded and differentiated into myofibroblasts, which are essential for wound contraction. Genetic ablation of these cells impaired wound healing, highlighting their importance. After wound closure, these cells reverted to a non-fibrotic fibroblast state and persisted long-term in the wound area. This research provided new insights into the functional diversity of perivascular-cell subtypes in the skin and identified a new mesenchymal cell source that promoted wound healing.