THE FUNCTION OF KGF IN MORPHOGENESIS OF EPITHELIUM AND REEPITHELIALIZATION OF WOUNDS

The function of keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) in normal and wounded skin was assessed by expression of a dominant-negative KGF receptor t ransgene in basal keratinocytes. The skin of transgenic mice was chara cterized by epidermal atrophy, abnormalities in the hair follicles, an d dermal hyperthickening. Upon skin injury, inhibition of KGF receptor signaling reduced the proliferation rate of epidermal keratinocytes a t the wound edge, resulting in substantially delayed reepithelializati on of the wound.