Small Molecules Facilitate Single Factor-Mediated Sweat Gland Cell Reprogramming

The study developed a strategy to reprogram human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) into induced sweat gland-like cells (iSGCs) using ectodermal dysplasia antigen (EDA) overexpression, sweat gland culture medium, and chemical cocktails. This approach significantly increased the expression of sweat gland markers such as CK5 and CK18 in iSGCs, with 23.05% expressing CK5+ and 55.79% expressing CK18+. The iSGCs demonstrated functional characteristics similar to native sweat gland cells, including reactivity to acetylcholine. In vivo experiments with 188 BALB/c nude mice showed successful regeneration of sweat gland structures, with 5.2% of mice showing positive sweat tests. The study highlighted the potential for regenerative therapies in skin repair, although it noted limitations such as the use of an immunodeficient mouse model and suggested further research to improve reprogramming efficiency and address immune rejection.