Sox18 Promotes the Proliferation of Dermal Papilla Cells via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

The study investigates the role of SRY-box transcription factor 18 (SOX18) in the proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in sheep hair follicles, specifically focusing on its interaction with the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. Overexpression of SOX18 was found to promote DPC proliferation, while its interference reduced proliferation. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway is involved in DPC growth when SOX18 is knocked down. Further experiments confirmed that SOX18 activates this signaling pathway and can rescue DPC proliferation even when the pathway is inhibited. These findings highlight SOX18's crucial role in DPC proliferation and wool growth in Hu sheep.