WWOX Deficiency Causes Downregulation of Prosurvival ERK Signaling and Abnormal Homeostatic Responses in Mouse Skin

The study concluded that Wwox deficiency in mice led to significant disruptions in skin homeostasis, including reduced keratinocyte proliferation, increased apoptosis, delayed hair follicle development, and severe loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue, resulting in hypothermia. These abnormalities were linked to the downregulation of prosurvival MEK/ERK signaling. The findings highlighted the critical role of WWOX in maintaining epidermal and hair follicle homeostasis, essential for early postnatal development and overall skin health.