Mingang Xu

Prepatterned Tissue Stiffness Gradient Controls Organ shape and size

This study shows how prepatterned tissue stiffness gradients control organ shape and size through mechanosensing and Wnt5a signaling in sweat glands.

KRT6A and KRT17 mark distinct stem cell populations in the adult palpebral conjunctiva and Meibomian gland

This study identifies KRT6A and KRT17 as markers for distinct stem cell populations in adult Meibomian gland and palpebral conjunctiva, showing differential regulation by Hedgehog signaling, HDAC3, and KLF4.

Nuclear force transmission drives cancer-associated fibroblast activation under BRAF inhibition

This study identifies a mechanotransduction pathway in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) where BRAF inhibition and matrix stiffness converge to drive nuclear remodeling and CAF activation through the ROCK-cytoskeleton-nucleus axis.

Identification of Meibomian gland stem cell populations and mechanisms of aging

The paper identifies Meibomian gland stem cell populations and mechanisms of aging using mouse models and finds Hh signaling regulates stem cell proliferation, with decreased Hh and EGF signaling in aged glands.

HDAC1/2 and HDAC3 play distinct roles in controlling adult Meibomian gland homeostasis

This study investigates the distinct roles of HDAC1/2 and HDAC3 in adult Meibomian gland homeostasis, showing redundancy for HDAC1/2 in proliferation and survival, and a role for HDAC3 in limiting proliferation and enabling differentiation.

FRIZZLED 2 regulates limb development by mediating both β-catenin-dependent and independent Wnt signaling pathways

This study shows that FZD2 mutations cause limb defects by disrupting both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling, using genetic mouse models to establish causality in Robinow Syndrome and omodysplasia.