Concise Review: Wnt Signaling Pathways in Skin Development and Epidermal Stem Cells

This review discussed the critical role of Wnt signaling pathways in the regulation of skin development and the behavior of epidermal stem cells (SCs). It highlighted how Wnt signaling influences the rapid division and stratification of epidermal cells during development, as well as the formation and regeneration of hair follicles (HFs) in postnatal skin. The review also explored the continuous proliferation and differentiation of interfollicular epidermal (IFE) cells, driven by SCs located in the basal layer of the IFE and the outer layer of the HF bulge. Additionally, it examined the potential interactions between Wnt signaling and other pathways that govern these processes, emphasizing the importance of Wnt-dependent signaling in maintaining tissue homeostasis.