LB999 Role of Transcription Factor Ovol2 in Skin Epithelial Regeneration and Repair

The study investigated the role of the transcription factor Ovol2 in adult skin epithelial regeneration and repair, focusing on its connection to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) regulation. Ovol2 was found to be expressed in adult epidermal basal and hair follicle bulge cells. Deletion of Ovol2 led to delayed hair follicle anagen progression and impaired epidermal wound healing. Ovol2-deficient epidermal cells showed reduced hair regeneration capacity and abnormal migration during wound repair. A decrease in hair follicle stem cells and enhanced EMT gene signatures were observed in Ovol2-deficient keratinocytes. These cells exhibited mesenchymal-like morphology, defective growth, and altered cell division, indicating a cell cycle arrest. The study highlighted the critical role of Ovol2 in maintaining normal skin regeneration and repair processes.