Dermal Papilla Cells Control Hair Follicle Matrix Keratinocytes Proliferation Through Versican

This study identifies versican (VCAN) as a direct transcriptional target of the hedgehog signaling pathway in dermal papilla (DP) cells, crucial for hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling. Disruption of the versican gene (Vcan) in DP cells in mice led to impaired hair follicle development, reduced proliferation of matrix keratinocytes, and increased differentiation and apoptosis of distal keratinocytes, mirroring the effects of hedgehog pathway disruption. Overexpression of Vcan protected against hair loss induced by hedgehog inhibitors. The study highlights VCAN's role in mediating a paracrine signaling mechanism through integrin signaling, influencing keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation in hair follicles.