Molecular Signals Underlying Hair Follicle Morphogenesis and Cutaneous Regeneration

Abstract

Hair follicle morphogenesis is initiated during embryo development, and undergoes regularly cycling process after birth. As a functional mini-organ, hair follicle morphogenesis undergoes in an environment with dynamic and alternating changes of numerous molecular signals. Studies in the past decades of genetically modified mouse models have lead to tremendous progresses in elucidating the molecule signals regulating hair follicle development. In the adult mouse skin, hair follicles serve as a reservoir of cutaneous stem cells. Stem cells derived from the bulge and dermal papilla of the hair follicle are capable of forming de novo epidermal appendages. But signals guiding these stem cells to regenerate cutaneous structures have been poorly understood. On the other hand, studies in the past decade indicate that born marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells exert a great potential in improving wound healing. Advances in our understanding of the molecular regulation of hair follicle morphogenesis and regeneration may help develop novel therapeutic strategies to facilitate improved wound healing.