MicroRNA-148a Controls Epidermal and Hair Follicle Stem/Progenitor Cells by Modulating the Activities of ROCK1 and ELF5

This study identifies microRNA-148a (miR-148a) as a crucial regulator of skin homeostasis and hair follicle cycling by modulating the activities of ROCK1 and ELF5. miR-148a expression peaks during the telogen phase in hair follicle stem cell compartments, and its inhibition in mice accelerates the transition to the anagen phase, increases skin thickness, and enhances stem cell activity. Overexpression of miR-148a reduces the expression of ROCK1 and ELF5, affecting keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. These findings suggest that miR-148a plays a significant role in maintaining stem/progenitor cell functions and could be a potential therapeutic target for hair loss and skin disorders.