Glandular stem cells in the skin during development, homeostasis, wound repair and regeneration

Abstract

Glands in the skin are essential for various physiological functions involving exocrine secretion. Like other tissues and organs, they possess the ability to repair injury and self-renew during homeostasis. Progenitor cells in glands are mostly unipotent but include some multipotent stem cells that function when extensive remodelling or regeneration is required. In this review, using two glandular models in skin, mouse sweat gland and mammary gland, we discuss lineage restriction that develops during glandular morphogenesis, as well as the mechanisms regulating cell fate and plasticity during wound repair and regeneration. Understanding the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that control the behaviours of glandular stem cell and maintain glandular functions will provide insight into future prospects for glandular regeneration.