Cooperation of TGF-β and FGF Signalling Pathways in Skin Development

The document reviews the cooperation of TGF-β and FGF signaling pathways in skin development, emphasizing their critical roles in epidermal and dermal morphogenesis, hair follicle formation, and neural crest cell (NCC) development. TGF-β signaling involves Smad-dependent and independent pathways, while FGF signaling activates RAS-MAPK and PI3K-AKT pathways. BMPs, part of the TGF-β family, are essential for epidermal induction and stratification, with BMP4 promoting basal cell proliferation. FGF signaling can counteract BMP to favor neural over epidermal fate but also supports epidermal stratification. In dermal development, particularly craniofacial dermis, NCCs are pivotal, with BMPs regulating their induction and migration. The review highlights the complex interplay of these pathways and the need for further research to fully understand their roles in skin development, repair, and regeneration, suggesting that cultured skin models could help address these challenges.