Following Fibroblast Lineages in Dermal Development and Scars

The dissertation explored fibroblast heterogeneity and its impact on wound repair, focusing on the transition from regenerative fibroblasts (ENFs) in early fetal development to scar-producing fibroblasts (EPFs) in later stages. It identified the subcutaneous fascia as a key contributor to scar formation following deep skin injury. An ex-vivo model, "scar-like tissue in a dish" (SCAD), was developed to study EPF dynamics in scar development. The study found that N-Cadherin plays a crucial role in EPF and fascial response to scarring, with findings validated in human skin biopsies, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues for preventing pathological scars.