In Vivo Dedifferentiation of Keratinocytes to Epidermal Stem Cells

The study by Xiaobing Fu and colleagues suggested that keratinocytes could dedifferentiate into epidermal stem cells in vivo, as indicated by the presence of keratin 19 (+) β1 integrin (+) cells in regenerating epidermis treated with epidermal growth factor (EGF). However, the analysis was criticized for being speculative and unconvincing, as keratin 19 and β1 integrin are not exclusive markers of stem cells. The study's methodology and conclusions were questioned, with suggestions that the observed cells might be transit amplifying cells rather than stem cells. The study highlighted the complexity of wound healing and the need for further research to conclusively prove keratinocyte dedifferentiation.