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Sox2 modulates the function of two distinct cell lineages in mouse skin
Marta H Lesko1, Ryan R Driskell, Kai Kretzschmar
1Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Centre for Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QN, UK; Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, 28th Floor, Guy's Tower, London SE1 9RT, UK.
Developmental Biology
|August 17, 2013
Summary
The transcription factor Sox2 is crucial for maintaining specific hair follicle types and Merkel cell numbers in the skin. Its absence impacts awl/auchene hair follicle maintenance and Merkel cell populations.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sox2 is a transcription factor found in the dermal papilla of hair follicles and Merkel cells in postnatal skin.
- Understanding Sox2's role is key to comprehending skin development and maintenance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of Sox2 in the dermal papilla and Merkel cells of the skin.
- To determine the consequences of Sox2 gene ablation in these specific skin cell lineages.
Main Methods:
- Sox2 was deleted in dermal papilla (DP) cells using Blimp1Cre.
- Sox2 was deleted in Merkel cells using K14Cre.
- Phenotypic analysis of skin structures was performed after gene deletion.
Main Results:
- Sox2 deletion in DP cells did not affect initial hair follicle morphogenesis but was necessary for maintaining awl/auchene hair follicles.
- Sox2 deletion in Merkel cells led to a reduced number of these cells.
- The reduction in Merkel cells did not impact guard hair development, nerve density, or touch dome innervation.
Conclusions:
- Sox2 acts as a marker for distinct skin lineages: DP and Merkel cells.
- Sox2 regulates differentiated cell numbers in Merkel cells and hair follicle type in DP cells.
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