Wnt Signaling Across Adult Skin Mini-Organs: Interfollicular Epidermis, Hair Follicle, and Nail—Implications for Disease and Regeneration
April 2026
in “
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
”
TLDR Wnt signaling is crucial for skin, hair, and nail health and regeneration.
The document reviews the role of Wnt signaling in the maintenance and regeneration of skin mini-organs, such as the interfollicular epidermis, hair follicles, and nails. Wnt signaling is crucial for processes like basal progenitor proliferation, hair cycle dynamics, and nail growth. Dysregulation can lead to conditions like alopecia, chronic wounds, and skin cancer. The review highlights therapeutic strategies targeting the Wnt pathway to enhance hair regrowth and wound repair, while addressing challenges in clinical implementation due to pathway complexity and safety concerns. The study underscores the importance of balanced Wnt activity for maintaining skin health and suggests potential therapeutic interventions for skin disorders.