Environmental Influences on the Development of Epidermal Progenitors

Environment plays a crucial role in the differentiation of cells during embryogenesis and defines the identity of stem cells and progenitor populations in the developing organism. Here, we will discuss our current understanding of external and internal factors affecting the development of the skin, epidermal progenitors and epidermal stem cell niches, including cell–cell interactions, signaling pathways, extracellular matrix and mechanophysical properties of the microenvironment.