Mesenchymal-Epidermal Interactions in Hair Follicle Cycling and Regeneration

The study explored the roles of STAT5 and Sox18 in hair follicle cycling and regeneration, highlighting their importance in mesenchymal-epidermal interactions. STAT5 was found to enhance hair follicle inductive potential and facilitate anagen entry, with its activation acting as a mesenchymal switch. Sox18 was necessary for dermal papilla (DP) formation and function across all hair types. The research also examined wound healing, revealing that macrophages regulate collagen transcription early in healing, and that SKPs with active STAT5B reduce inflammation and improve healing. These findings underscored the significance of STAT5 and Sox18 in hair follicle dynamics and wound repair.