Single-Cell Analysis of Late-Stage Wound-Induced Hair Follicle Neogenesis Reveals Keratinocyte Heterogeneity and Enrichment of Infundibular Basal Keratinocytes

This study investigates the cellular differences in wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis (WIHN) between small and large wound tissues at a late regenerative stage (post-wounding day 22). Using single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers identified major cell populations, focusing on keratinocytes, which were divided into 8 subpopulations. Notably, infundibular basal keratinocytes were more prevalent in large wounds. Differences in extracellular matrix-receptor interactions and collagen content were observed, with increased COL6A3 and decreased FN1 expression in large wounds. The findings provide a detailed single-cell atlas of wound tissues, highlighting cellular heterogeneity and offering insights into hair follicle regeneration mechanisms.