Sox18 Promotes the Proliferation of Dermal Papilla Cells via the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

The study explores the role of the transcription factor SOX18 in the proliferation of dermal papilla cells (DPCs) in Hu sheep, emphasizing its interaction with the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. It demonstrates that SOX18 overexpression enhances DPC proliferation, while its knockdown reduces it. SOX18 activates the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway, crucial for DPC proliferation and wool growth. RNA-seq analysis identified 246 differentially expressed genes, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms of hair follicle development. The findings suggest that SOX18 could be a potential target for promoting hair growth by modulating the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway.