Understanding fibroblast heterogeneity in the skin

Fibroblasts are found in most tissues, yet they remain poorly characterised. Different fibroblast subpopulations with distinct functions have been identified in the skin. This functional heterogeneity reflects the varied fibroblast lineages that arise from a common embryonic precursor. In addition to autocrine signals, fibroblasts are highly responsive to Wnt-regulated signals from the overlying epidermis, which can act both locally, via...