The Function of KGF in Morphogenesis of Epithelium and Reepithelialization of Wounds

• DOI: 10.1126/science.7973639
• Publication Date: 2006-10-06T00:01:25Z
• Authors: Sabine Werner; Hans Smola; Xiang Liao; Michael T. Longaker; Thomas Krieg; Peter Hans Hofsch...; Lewis T. Williams
• Keywords: Keratinocytes; 0301 basic medicine; Aging; Fibroblast Growth Factor 7; Epithelial Cells; Mice, Transgenic; Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor; 3. Good health; Fibroblast Growth Factors; Mice; 03 medical and health sciences; Phenotype; Cell Movement; Animals; Receptors, Growth Factor; Epidermis; Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 2; Growth Substances; Fibroblast Growth Factor 10; Cell Division; Hair; Signal Transduction; Skin

The function of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in normal and wounded skin was assessed by expression of a dominant-negative KGF receptor transgene in basal keratinocytes. The skin of transgenic mice was characterized by epidermal atrophy, abnormalities in the hair follicles, and dermal hyperthickening. Upon skin injury, inhibition of KGF receptor signaling reduced the proliferation rate of epidermal keratinocytes at the wound edge, resulting in substantially delayed reepithelialization of the wound.