Regulation of Adipocyte Dedifferentiation at the Skin Wound Edge

This study explores the plasticity of adipocytes, showing that they can dedifferentiate into fibroblast-like cells, particularly around skin wounds. Using a two-step lineage tracing method, researchers identified Pdgfra+ cells originating from Adipoq+ adipocytes. They observed that these cells, which incorporate EdU and alter their marker expression, are prevalent around wound edges but sparse at the center. The study also found that PDGF and TGFβ signaling promote this dedifferentiation, with PDGFRα acting independently of TGFβR2. These findings highlight the potential role of dedifferentiated adipocytes in wound repair, regeneration, and fibrosis.