The complexity of PDGFR signaling: regulation of adipose progenitor maintenance and adipocyte-myofibroblast transition

Dermal adipocytes are involved in the protection of skin infection, in hair growth and wound healing (1). Significant modulation of dermal adipose tissue (dWAT) can be observed in aged skin, and loss of dermal adipocytes is a hallmark of fibrotic lesions. Therefore, identification of molecular mechanisms governing adipose progenitor proliferation and self-renewal is critical to counteract depletion of adipocytes occurring with aging in the skin. Moreover, understanding adipose progenitor maintenance in general might also be important for other adipose depots.