Activation of Nrf2 Promotes Wound Healing by Expansion of Hair Follicle Stem Cell Populations

In this study, researchers found that activating the transcription factor Nrf2 in keratinocytes promoted wound healing by enhancing re-epithelialization, not through direct effects on wound keratinocytes, but by expanding hair follicle stem cell populations in the junctional zone and upper isthmus. This expansion was due to increased proliferation of these stem cells, likely stimulated by up-regulation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) family members, including the Nrf2 target epigen. The expanded stem cell populations served as a reservoir of keratinocytes that migrated into the wound, accelerating re-epithelialization. These findings suggested that Nrf2 activation could be a promising strategy for improving wound healing by leveraging hair follicle stem cell proliferation.