Overview
- Washington State University mapped the emergence of epidermal–dermal rete ridges to the postnatal period using pig skin sampled across early development.
- The team identified activation of bone morphogenetic protein signaling as the molecular trigger for ridge formation.
- Thick-skinned species such as pigs, grizzly bears and dolphins share these structures with humans, whereas mice and non-human primates lack them, explaining past research hurdles.
- The paper appears in Nature, the lead lab has filed a provisional patent, and co-authors note translational possibilities given prior FDA approval of BMP proteins in other uses.
- Potential applications under exploration include strategies to restore age-flattened ridges, improve scar repair, and tailor livestock skin traits, with clinical work yet to begin.