Targeting Expression of Keratinocyte Growth Factor to Keratinocytes Elicits Striking Changes in Epithelial Differentiation in Transgenic Mice

The study investigated the role of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in skin by targeting its expression to the epidermis of transgenic mice using a human keratin 14 promoter. The mice expressing KGF showed significant changes, including increased epidermal thickness, altered epidermal growth and differentiation, and suppression of hair follicle morphogenesis and adipogenesis. Additionally, some mice developed transformations in tongue epithelium and epidermis, along with elevated salivation and altered salivary gland differentiation. These findings suggested that KGF played a crucial role in mesenchymal-epithelial interactions, affecting growth, development, and differentiation of skin and other tissues.