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

The document reviewed the role of Wnt signaling pathways in skin development and the regulation of epidermal stem cells. It highlighted the critical function of Wnt signaling in hair follicle morphogenesis, with specific genes like β-catenin and Wnt5a playing significant roles. Loss-of-function mutations in β-catenin led to impaired placode formation, hair loss, and cyst formation, while gain-of-function mutations resulted in de novo hair follicle formation and abnormal structures. The review also discussed the potential therapeutic implications of modulating Wnt pathways for treating skin disorders and enhancing wound healing, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand these complex interactions.