Specific In Vivo Ablation of Lrig1-Positive Follicular Progenitor Cells Results in Sebaceous Gland Loss in Mice

This study examines the role of Lrig1-positive follicular progenitor cells in maintaining sebaceous glands (SGs) in mice. By selectively ablating these cells, researchers observed a complete but reversible loss of SGs, with atrophy starting at day 14 and full recovery after 6 months. The absence of Lrig1-positive cells caused junctional-zone keratinocytes to adopt an interfollicular epidermis-like phenotype, and other epidermal cells failed to differentiate into sebocytes. The study highlights the critical role of Lrig1-positive progenitors in SG morphogenesis and maintenance, suggesting their influence on hair cycling through signaling pathways like EGFR and Wnt/β-catenin. Despite changes in hair follicles and SGs, no hair loss or overgrowth was observed.