Fgf9 from dermal γδ T cells induces hair follicle neogenesis after wounding

Denise Gay, Ohsang Kwon, Zhikun Zhang, Michelle Spata, Maksim V. Plikus, Phillip D. Holler, Mayumi Ito, Zaixin Yang, Elsa Treffeisen, Chang D. Kim, Arben Nace, Xiaohong Zhang, Sheena Baratono, Fen Wang, David M. Ornitz, Sarah E. Millar, George Cotsarelis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

251 Scopus citations

Abstract

Understanding molecular mechanisms for regeneration of hair follicles provides new opportunities for developing treatments for hair loss and other skin disorders. Here we show that fibroblast growth factor 9 (Fgf9), initially secreted by γδ T cells, modulates hair follicle regeneration after wounding the skin of adult mice. Reducing Fgf9 expression decreases this wound-induced hair neogenesis (WIHN). Conversely, overexpression of Fgf9 results in a two- to threefold increase in the number of neogenic hair follicles. We found that Fgf9 from γδ T cells triggers Wnt expression and subsequent Wnt activation in wound fibroblasts. Through a unique feedback mechanism, activated fibroblasts then express Fgf9, thus amplifying Wnt activity throughout the wound dermis during a crucial phase of skin regeneration. Notably, humans lack a robust population of resident dermal γδ T cells, potentially explaining their inability to regenerate hair after wounding. These findings highlight the essential relationship between the immune system and tissue regeneration. The importance of Fgf9 in hair follicle regeneration suggests that it could be used therapeutically in humans.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)916-923
Number of pages8
JournalNature Medicine
Volume19
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)

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