Sox2-Positive Dermal Papilla Cells Specify Hair Follicle Type in Mammalian Epidermis

The study investigated the role of Sox2-positive dermal papilla cells in determining hair follicle types in mammalian epidermis. Researchers found that Sox2 expression was crucial for the formation of specific hair types, such as awl and auchene follicles, while it was absent in zigzag follicles. Sox2-positive cells were shown to have distinct gene expression profiles, with upregulated Wnt, FGF, and BMP pathways, and were necessary for the formation of awl/auchene hairs. The study used transgenic mice and skin reconstitution assays to demonstrate that the absence of Sox2-positive cells led to a significant reduction in follicle formation, resulting in only zigzag hairs. This research highlighted the importance of Sox2 in hair follicle morphogenesis and its potential impact on hair type specification.