Genetic Lineage Tracing in Skin Reveals Predominant Expression of HEY2 in Dermal Papilla During Telogen and That HEY2+ Cells Contribute to the Regeneration of Dermal Cells During Wound Healing

This study investigates the role of HEY2+ cells in dermal regeneration and wound healing. Using genetic lineage tracing in mice, researchers found that HEY2 is predominantly expressed in dermal papilla (DP) during the telogen phase and that HEY2+ cells contribute to the regeneration of dermal cells during wound healing. The study utilized Hey2-CreERT2 knockin mice and Rosa26-ZsGreen reporter mice to trace the fate of HEY2+ cells. Results showed that a significant number of dermal fibroblasts in regenerated skin were ZsGreen+ lineage cells, indicating that Hey2+ DP cells, dermal sheath cells, and dermal fibroblasts possess stemness and participate in dermal regeneration. Additionally, HEY2+ cells exhibited higher expression levels of growth factors like VEGF, FGF7, and HGF, which are known to promote wound healing. The study suggests that DP cells may migrate between the DP and dermal sheath during the hair growth cycle, contributing to dermal regeneration. Further research is needed to determine the applicability of these findings to humans.