Topological Distribution of Wound Stiffness Modulates Wound-Induced Hair Follicle Neogenesis

The study "Topological Distribution of Wound Stiffness Modulates Wound-Induced Hair Follicle Neogenesis" explored the role of wound stiffness in hair follicle regeneration. Researchers created wounds of equal area but different shapes in mice and found that wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis (WIHN) occurred more in areas of lower stiffness, typically in the center of the wound. By reducing mechanotransduction signals using FAK or myosin II inhibitors, WIHN significantly increased, while enhancing these signals reduced WIHN. The study also found that FAK inhibition increased pSTAT3 nuclear staining in the regenerative wound center, suggesting enhanced signaling for hair follicular neogenesis. The findings suggest that controlling wound stiffness can modulate tissue regeneration during wound healing, including hair growth. The study involved 8 subjects (n = 8).