Literature Review
A running list of papers I’m reading, with brief notes for future me.
Recent Reads
Spatial organization within a niche as a determinant of stem-cell fate
Intravital imaging shows HFSC position in niche predicts fate; bulge SCs dispensable for regeneration.
Niche stiffening compromises hair follicle stem cell potential during ageing
Age-related ECM stiffening alters HFSC chromatin accessibility and exhausts stem cell function.
Cellular Heterogeneity Facilitates the Functional Differences Between Hair Follicle Dermal Sheath Cells and Dermal Papilla Cells
Proposes HF-MSC/MPC/MFC/MMC classification for DP and DS mesenchymal populations.
Organ function is preserved despite reorganization of niche architecture in the hair follicle
DP architecture remodels and polarizes; TGF-β signaling shapes niche geometry but hair growth still occurs.
Skin vasculature and hair follicle cross-talking associated with stem cell activation and tissue homeostasis
Defines HPuHG vascular plexus and BMP4-mediated control of HFSC quiescence via vasculature.
Stem cells tightly regulate dead cell clearance to maintain tissue fitness
HFSCs transiently activate phagocytosis via RARγ–RXRα to clear apoptotic neighbors during cycling.
iSuRe-HadCre is an essential tool for effective conditional genetics
Dual Cre-reporter/deleter line that ensures reliable floxed gene deletion with fluorescent readout.
Tracing the origin of hair follicle stem cells
Long-term 3D live imaging and scRNA-seq define concentric placode zones giving rise to bulge SCs.
LRRC15 is a novel mesenchymal protein and stromal target for antibody-drug conjugates.
Identifies LRRC15 as CAF/mesenchymal marker and validates LRRC15-targeted ADC ABBV-085.
Basement Membranes: Cell Scaffoldings and Signaling Platforms
Classic review of BM composition, assembly, and roles in morphogenesis and disease.
Paracrine TGF-β Signaling Counterbalances BMP-Mediated Repression in Hair Follicle Stem Cell Activation
DP-derived TGF-β2 activates HFSCs and antagonizes BMP signaling via Tmeff1.
Effects of Exogenous Biliverdin Treatment on Neurobehaviors in Mice
Systemic biliverdin alters depression-, anxiety-like behavior and hippocampal cytokines.
The dermal sheath: An emerging component of the hair follicle stem cell niche
Review of DS anatomy, function, and regenerative potential in HF niche.
Vitamin A resolves lineage plasticity to orchestrate stem cell lineage choices
RA signaling in HF niches resolves dual-fate programs to enable effective regeneration.
A Comprehensive Guide for the Accurate Classification of Murine Hair Folles in Distinct Hair Cycle Stages
Morphological criteria and schematics for hair cycle staging in C57BL/6 mice.
Distinct Regulatory Programs Control the Latent Regenerative Potential of Dermal Fibroblasts during Wound Healing
Hic1+ fibroblast lineages support regeneration vs fibrosis via distinct transcriptional programs.
Hair Follicle Dermal Stem Cells Regenerate the Dermal Sheath, Repopulate the Dermal Papilla, and Modulate Hair Type
Fate mapping identifies bipotent DS stem cells that renew DS and DP and influence hair type.
Integrated Single-Cell Analysis Reveals Spatially and Temporally Dynamic Heterogeneity in Fibroblast States During Wound Healing
Integrates scRNA-seq to map fibroblast state transitions and scar stratification after wounding.
In vivo single-cell CRISPR uncovers distinct TNF programmes in tumour evolution
Single-cell CRISPR screen reveals TNF-driven clonal expansions and autocrine TNF in invasion.
A Two-Step Mechanism for Stem Cell Activation during Hair Regeneration
Bulge-derived hair germ cells act as rapidly responding progenitors preceding bulge activation.
β-catenin Activity in the Dermal Papilla Regulates Morphogenesis and Regeneration of Hair
DP-specific β-catenin controls matrix proliferation, hair morphogenesis, and regeneration.
Identification and characterization of a novel extracellular matrix protein nephronectin that is associated with integrin α8β1 in the embryonic kidney
Nephronectin identified as α8β1 ligand; ECM component in kidney and other tissues.
Live imaging of stem cell and progeny behaviour in physiological hair-follicle regeneration
Two-photon intravital imaging of epithelial SCs and mesenchyme during intact hair cycles.
Near-infrared fluorescent proteins for multicolor in vivo imaging
Describes iRFP670/682/702/720 NIR FPs for deep-tissue multicolor imaging.
The Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Their Inhibitors in Human Diseases
Review of MMP/TIMP biology in ECM remodeling and pathology.
Mapping the molecular and structural specialization of the skin basement membrane for inter-tissue interactions
Defines hook/mesh/interface BMs and laminin α5-dependent HG–DP anchoring.
Hdac1 and Hdac2 regulate the quiescent state and survival of hair-follicle mesenchymal niche
HDAC1/2 maintain DP quiescence, survival, and tune Wnt signaling across the hair cycle.
Hair follicle epidermal stem cells define a niche for tactile sensation
Upper-bulge epidermal SCs produce EGFL6-rich collar matrix for lanceolate complexes.
Flexible fate determination ensures robust differentiation in the hair follicle
Live imaging reveals flexible lineage outputs from HG and matrix progenitors in homeostasis.
Hair-Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cell Activity during Homeostasis and Wound Healing
HF dermal stem cells reside proximally in DS; contribute to DS/DP and move toward wounds.
Near-infrared fluorescent proteins engineered from bacterial phytochromes
Overview of BphP-derived NIR FPs and applications in deep-tissue imaging.
Intraperitoneally administered biliverdin protects against UVB-induced skin photo-damage in hairless mice
Biliverdin reduces UVB-induced oxidative damage, MMP expression, and inflammation in skin.
Yo-yoing stem cells defy dogma to maintain hair colour
Commentary on melanocyte stem cells that migrate and dedifferentiate to sustain pigmentation.
Cross-tissue organization of the fibroblast lineage
Pan-tissue fibroblast atlas defines universal and specialized fibroblast states across organs.
Tracing epithelial stem cells during development, homeostasis, and repair
Review of genetic lineage tracing approaches for epithelial stem cells.
Local and systemic mechanisms that control the hair follicle stem cell niche
Review of HFSC niche cell types, signals, and systemic inputs in morphogenesis and ageing.
Dedifferentiation maintains melanocyte stem cells in a dynamic niche
McSCs shuttle between TA and stem cell states; stranded McSCs accumulate with age.
Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveals that Differentiation and Spatial Signatures Shape Epidermal and Hair Follicle Heterogeneity
scRNA-seq atlas of telogen skin, highlighting spatial axes and stem cell compartment heterogeneity.
Dermal sheath contraction powers stem cell niche relocation during hair cycle regression
DS smooth muscle contraction drives follicle regression and niche movement to bulge HFSCs.
The ECM protein nephronectin promotes kidney development via integrin α8β1-mediated stimulation of Gdnf expression
Nephronectin–α8β1 axis regulates Gdnf in metanephric mesenchyme and kidney morphogenesis.
Biliverdin Rescues the HO-2 Null Mouse Phenotype of Unresolved Chronic Inflammation Following Corneal Epithelial Injury
Topical biliverdin rescues impaired healing and inflammation in HO-2 null corneas.
Near-Infrared Fluorescent Proteins Engineered from Bacterial Phytochromes in Neuroimaging
Compares iRFP variants in neurons and brain; identifies optimal FPs for one- and two-photon imaging.
Bright and stable near-infrared fluorescent protein for in vivo imaging
Introduces iRFP with high brightness and photostability without exogenous biliverdin.
Niche-specific macrophage loss promotes skin capillary aging
Two-photon imaging reveals loss of capillary-associated macrophages and impaired vascular repair with age.
Stem cell activity-coupled suppression of endogenous retrovirus governs adult tissue regeneration
SETDB1-mediated ERV silencing is required for hair regeneration; antiviral drugs rescue stem cell loss.
Toxicity of nuclear-localized GFP in reporter mice
High levels of H2B-GFP are toxic in K14-driven reporter mice, particularly in ocular tissues.
The Basement Membrane of Hair Follicle Stem Cells Is a Muscle Cell Niche
Bulge HFSCs deposit nephronectin to create niche for arrector pili muscle attachment.
Dermal papilla cell number specifies hair size, shape and cycling and its reduction causes follicular decline
DP cell number correlates with hair type; below threshold follicles fail to regenerate.
Nerve-Derived Sonic Hedgehog Defines a Niche for Hair Follicle Stem Cells Capable of Becoming Epidermal Stem Cells
Gli1+ perineural bulge cells respond to neuronal Shh and can convert to epidermal SCs in wounds.
De Novo Production of Dermal Papilla Cells during the Anagen Phase of the Hair Cycle
Shows de novo expansion of DP cell number during anagen and implications for hair thinning.