EGFR Marks a Subpopulation of Dermal Mesenchymal Cells Highly Expressing IGF1 Which Enhances Hair Follicle Regeneration

The study discovered a group of dermal mesenchymal cells, marked by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), that express high levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and boost hair follicle regeneration. These cells were identified in mice using single-cell RNA sequencing data analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The EGFR+ cells showed a higher IGF1 expression level. When IGF1 was applied to wounds in mice, the number of hair follicles in healed wounds increased, suggesting that EGFR+ cells promote wound-induced hair follicle growth. This finding could potentially be used in hair growth treatments.