Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profile of EGFR-Deficient Epidermal Compartments During Folliculitis
TLDR EGFR deficiency causes significant changes in skin cells and hair follicles.
The study investigates the effects of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) deficiency in epidermal compartments during folliculitis using a mouse model. The researchers performed single-cell transcriptomic analysis on the epidermal compartment, including immune cells and hair follicles, during hair shaft emergence in EGFR-deficient epidermis. They observed significant transcriptomic changes in keratinocyte and immune cell populations compared to wildtype mice. Structural dysfunctions in the inner layers of hair follicles and increased activation markers in Langerhans cells were noted, indicating these cells as primary immune responders. The goal is to identify key cellular and molecular players for therapeutic interventions to mitigate adverse events in EGFR-targeted cancer therapy and to understand the biology of hair shaft emergence.
