PTEN Mediates Activation of Core Clock Protein BMAL1 and Accumulation of Epidermal Stem Cells
June 2017
in “
Stem cell reports
”
TLDR PTEN helps control the number and health of skin stem cells by working with the protein BMAL1.
The study investigated the role of PTEN in regulating the core clock protein BMAL1 and its impact on the accumulation of epidermal stem cells. PTEN was found to mediate the activation of BMAL1, promoting the accumulation of epidermal stem cells, which are essential for skin homeostasis and repair. PTEN deficiency led to an enlarged stem cell niche, increased HFSCs, prolonged hair cycle phases, and benign skin lesions, partly mediated by BMAL1. The findings highlighted PTEN's critical role in HFSC function, epidermal homeostasis, and potential therapeutic targets for skin-related disorders and tissue regeneration therapies.