Targeted inactivation of integrin-linked kinase in hair follicle stem cells reveals an important modulatory role in skin repair after injury

The study explored the role of integrin-linked kinase (ILK) in hair follicle stem cells and its impact on skin repair after injury. By inactivating the Ilk gene in these cells in mice, researchers found that ILK was crucial for normal epidermal regeneration and wound healing, with ILK-deficient stem cells showing delayed reepithelialization and reduced proliferation potential. Despite being able to support anagen follicle growth, these cells had impaired migration and reepithelialization capabilities, leading to delayed skin regeneration. The study involved eight animals per group and suggested ILK as a potential therapeutic target for healing abnormalities, highlighting its importance in basal keratinocyte attachment and differentiation.