Fgf and Wnt signaling interaction in the mesenchymal niche regulates the murine hair cycle clock

Nat Commun. 2020 Oct 9;11(1):5114. doi: 10.1038/s41467-020-18643-x.

Abstract

Tissue growth in the adult is an orchestrated process that often requires biological clocks to time stem cell and progenitor activity. Here, we employed the hair follicle, which cycles between growth and regression in a timely-restricted mode, to show that some components of the hair cycle clock reside within the mesenchymal niche of the hair follicle, the dermal papilla (DP), and both Fgf and Wnt signaling pathways interact within the DP to regulate the expression of these components that include Wnt agonists (Rspondins) and antagonists (Dkk2 and Notum). The levels of Wnt agonists and antagonists in the DP are progressively reduced and elevated during the growth phase, respectively. Consequently, Wnt signaling activity in the overlying epithelial progenitor cells decreases, resulting in the induction of the regression phase. Remarkably, DP properties allow Wnt activity in the DP to persist despite the Wnt-inhibiting milieu and consequently synchronize the induction and progression of the regression phase. This study provides insight into the importance of signaling crosstalk in coupling progenitors and their niche to regulate tissue growth.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Esterases / genetics
  • Esterases / metabolism
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors / metabolism*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Hair Follicle / cytology*
  • Hair Follicle / growth & development*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Mutant Strains
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / genetics
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor / metabolism
  • Skin / cytology
  • Thrombospondins / genetics
  • Thrombospondins / metabolism
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / physiology*

Substances

  • Dkk2 protein, mouse
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxc1 protein, mouse
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • R-spondin3 protein, mouse
  • RSPO1 protein, mouse
  • Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor
  • Thrombospondins
  • Fibroblast Growth Factors
  • Esterases
  • Notum protein, mouse