ROR2 Regulates Self-Renewal and Maintenance of Hair Follicle Stem Cells

August 2022 in “ Nature Communications ”

Anthony Veltri, Christopher Lang, Gaia Cangiotti, Chim Kei Chan, Wen‐Hui Lien

ROR2 Wnt receptor hair follicle stem cells HFSCs Wnt-activated signaling ATM/ATR-dependent DNA damage response ROR2-PKC signaling β-catenin

Studysummary In this study, researchers discovered that ROR2, a Wnt receptor, plays a crucial role in regulating hair follicle stem cell self-renewal and maintenance, compensating for the absence of β-catenin.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

This study investigated the role of ROR2, a Wnt receptor, in hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). It was found that ROR2 was crucial for regulating Wnt-activated signaling, which is responsible for HFSC activation and self-renewal. Additionally, ROR2 was necessary for maintaining the ATM/ATR-dependent DNA damage response, essential for the long-term maintenance of HFSCs. The study also identified a compensatory role of ROR2-PKC signaling in protecting β-catenin-null HFSCs from losing their stem cell pool. Overall, the research revealed a previously unrecognized role of ROR2 in the regulation of stem cell self-renewal and maintenance.

View this study on nature.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

10 / 10 results

research In Vivo Transcriptional Governance of Hair Follicle Stem Cells by Canonical Wnt Regulators

173 citations , January 2014 in “Nature Cell Biology”

This study found that Wnt signalling activates hair follicle fate in hair follicle stem cells by relieving TCF3/4–TLE-mediated repression, with β-catenin being crucial for this process.

research Competitive Balance of Intrabulge BMP/Wnt Signaling Reveals a Robust Gene Network Ruling Stem Cell Homeostasis and Cyclic Activation

176 citations , January 2013 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences”

This study reveals an antagonistic competition between BMP and Wnt signaling within stem cells, influencing their fate towards hair germ characteristics based on the BMP/Wnt activity ratio.

research Paracrine TGF-β Signaling Counterbalances BMP-Mediated Repression in Hair Follicle Stem Cell Activation

321 citations , January 2012 in “Cell stem cell”

This study identified TGF-β2 as a crucial signal in hair follicle stem cell regeneration, highlighting its role in counteracting BMP signaling to promote tissue regeneration.

research Genome-Wide Maps of Histone Modifications Unwind In Vivo Chromatin States of the Hair Follicle Lineage

191 citations , September 2011 in “Cell stem cell”

This study found that polycomb-group-mediated repression plays a key role in regulating hair follicle stem cell states and lineage progression by distinct mechanisms in adult mouse skin.

research Adipocyte Lineage Cells Contribute to the Skin Stem Cell Niche to Drive Hair Cycling

499 citations , September 2011 in “Cell”

This study found that intradermal adipocyte lineage cells in mice are necessary and sufficient to activate follicular stem cells, highlighting their role in regulating skin stem cell activity.

research Epidermal Homeostasis: A Balancing Act of Stem Cells in the Skin

1039 citations , February 2009 in “Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology”

This review discusses the reuse of molecular mechanisms involved in embryonic skin development for maintaining adult epidermal homeostasis and reports no new results.

research The Hair Follicle as a Dynamic Mini-Organ

759 citations , February 2009 in “Current Biology”

This review summarizes fundamental concepts and recent advancements in hair follicle biology, including insights from mouse models into broader molecular and cellular processes relevant to regeneration and development.

Wnt-Dependent De Novo Hair Follicle Regeneration in Adult Mouse Skin After Wounding