Augmenting Endogenous Wnt Signaling Improves Skin Wound Healing |
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| Authors: | Jemima L Whyte Andrew A Smith Bo Liu Wilfred R Manzano Nick D Evans Girija R Dhamdhere Mark Y Fang Howard Y Chang Anthony E Oro Jill A Helms |
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| Institution: | 1. Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America.; 2. Department of Dermatology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America.; 3. Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, California, United States of America.; University of Texas Medical Branch, United States of America, |
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| Abstract: | Wnt signaling is required for both the development and homeostasis of the skin, yet its contribution to skin wound repair remains controversial. By employing Axin2LacZ/+ reporter mice we evaluated the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of Wnt responsive cells, and found that the pattern of Wnt responsiveness varies with the hair cycle, and correlates with wound healing potential. Using Axin2LacZ/LacZ mice and an ear wound model, we demonstrate that amplified Wnt signaling leads to improved healing. Utilizing a biochemical approach that mimics the amplified Wnt response of Axin2LacZ/LacZ mice, we show that topical application of liposomal Wnt3a to a non-healing wound enhances endogenous Wnt signaling, and results in better skin wound healing. Given the importance of Wnt signaling in the maintenance and repair of skin, liposomal Wnt3a may have widespread application in clinical practice. |
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