DERMAL STEM CELLS & TISSUE REGENERATION Cellular Forces and Matrix Assembly Coordinate Fibrous Tissue Repair The authors developed a 3D biomimetic model for soft tissue repair and demonstrated that fibroblasts ensconced in a collagen matrix rapidly close microsurgically induced defects within 24 hours. [Nat Commun] Full Article Signaling Networks among Stem Cell Precursors, Transit-Amplifying Progenitors, and their Niche in Developing Hair Follicles Investigators used six transgenic reporters to isolate 14 major skin and hair follicle cell populations. With next-generation RNA sequencing, they characterized their transcriptomes and defined unique molecular signatures. [Cell Rep] Full Article | Graphical Abstract Integrin Signaling Regulates YAP/TAZ to Control Skin Homeostasis The authors showed that YAP and TAZ are nuclear localized in the basal layer of skin and are elevated upon wound healing. Skin-specific deletion of both YAP and TAZ in adult mice slows proliferation of basal layer cells, leads to hair loss and impairs regeneration after wounding. [Development] Abstract The Parkinsonism-Associated Protein DJ-1/Park7 Prevents Glycation Damage In Human Keratinocyte The authors investigated the ability of DJ-1 to prevent protein glycation in keratinocytes. Glycation of collagen and keratinocyte proteins was tested by measuring ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence emission. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun] Abstract SKIN CANCERS & DISORDERS Directed Migration of Cancer Cells by the Graded Texture of the Underlying Matrix Researchers report a new type of directed migration—which they term ‘topotaxis’—guided by the gradient of the nanoscale topographic features in the cells’ extracellular matrix environment. [Nat Mater] Abstract | Press Release Inhibiting Drivers of Non-Mutational Drug Tolerance Is a Salvage Strategy for Targeted Melanoma Therapy Investigators examined the therapy phase before acquired resistance had developed and discovered the melanoma survival oncogene MITF as a driver of an early non-mutational and reversible drug-tolerance state, which is induced by PAX3-mediated upregulation of MITF. [Cancer Res] Abstract | Graphical Abstract | Press Release Enhanced Histone Deacetylase Activity in Malignant Melanoma Provokes RAD51 and FANCD2 Triggered Drug Resistance Investigators report on the impact of class I histone deacetylase (HDAC) on the response of malignant melanoma cells treated with alkylating agents. The data showed that malignant melanomas in situ contain a high level of HDAC1/2 and malignant melanoma cells overexpress HDAC1/2/3 compared to non-cancer cells. [Cancer Cell] Abstract HSP70 Inhibition Limits FAK-Dependent Invasion and Enhances the Response to Melanoma Treatment with BRAF Inhibitors Scientists documented that a significant proportion of melanoma tumors express high levels of HSP70, particularly at advanced stages, and that phospho-FAK and BRAF are HSP70 client proteins. [Cancer Res] Abstract |