Spatiotemporal antagonism in mesenchymal-epithelial signaling in sweat versus hair fate decision

Abstract

How to grow hair or sweat glands Unlike other mammals that must pant or seek shade or water when overheated, humans are able to self-cool to tolerate extreme heat. Sweat glands, which enable humans to run in marathons, are instrumental for this remarkable feat. Lu et al. investigated skin appendage diversity during development of the furry backs and sweaty paws of mice (see the Perspective by Lai and Chuong). They also examined human skin, which is capable of making both hairs and sweat glands in the same area of the body. Epithelialmesenchymal interactions, with varied signaling pathways that act at specific times in development, are key to producing different skin appendages for adaptation to the environment. Science , this issue p. 10.1126/science.aah6102 ; see also p. 1533