Developmentally regulated expression of integrin alpha-6 distinguishes neural crest derivatives in the skin

Neural crest-derived cells play essential roles in skin function and homeostasis. However, how they interact with environmental cues and differentiate into functional skin cells remains unclear. Using a combination of single-cell data analysis, neural crest lineage tracing, and flow cytometry, we found that the expression of integrin a6 (ITGA6) in neural crest and its derivatives was developmentally regulated and that ITGA6 could serve as a functional surface marker for distinguishing neural crest derivatives in the skin. Based on the expression of ITGA6, Wnt1-Cre lineage neural crest derivatives in the skin could be categorized into three subpopulations, namely, ITGA6(bright), ITGA6(dim), and ITGA6(neg), which were found to be Schwann cells, melanocytes, and fibroblasts, respectively. We further analyzed the signature genes and transcription factors that specifically enriched in each cell subpopulation, as well as the ligand or receptor molecules, mediating the potential interaction with other cells of the skin. Additionally, we found that Hmx1 and Lhx8 are specifically expressed in neural crest-derived fibroblasts, while Zic1 and homeobox family genes are expressed in mesoderm-derived fibroblasts, indicating the distinct development pathways of fibroblasts of different origins. Our study provides insights into the regulatory landscape of neural crest cell development and identifies potential markers that facilitate the isolation of different neural crest derivatives in the skin.

Automated summary

Neural crest-derived cells in the skin have important functions, but their interaction with environmental cues and differentiation process is not well understood. This study identified integrin a6 (ITGA6) as a surface marker for distinguishing neural crest derivatives in the skin, and categorized them into three subpopulations. The study also analyzed the specific genes, transcription factors, and molecules involved in potential interactions among different skin cells. Furthermore, distinct development pathways of fibroblasts from different origins were identified. This study provides insights into neural crest cell development and identifies potential markers for isolating neural crest derivatives in the skin.