Mammals exhibit epidermal patterning, as seen in mouse tail scales and human skin microtopography. In this article, the authors demonstrate that type XVII collagen (COL17), a niche for epidermal stem cells, modulate epidermal patterning in mice and humans. COL17 further prevents wound-induced epidermal deformation. This study paves the way for elucidating the role of the stem cell niche in tissue pattern formation.
- Yunan Wang
- Hiroyuki Kitahata
- Ken Natsuga