Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Radiation-Induced Skin Injury: Mechanisms, Microbiological Interactions, and Regenerative Therapies

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a fundamental molecular mechanism that regulates various biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue regeneration. Considering skin biology, Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role in maintaining skin homeostasis and facilitating repair after injury. However, when the skin is exposed to ionizing radiation, such as in the case of radiation burns, the delicate balance of this signaling pathway can be disrupted. Radiation-induced skin injuries present a significant clinical challenge due to the complexity of the damage, which includes both direct cellular injury and secondary complications such as inflammation and increased susceptibility to infections. It is important to know, how radiation alters Wnt signaling, leading to impaired healing processes. Furthermore, radiation-damaged skin often becomes a breeding ground for microbiological infections, which can further complicate the regenerative process and lead to chronic wounds. Understanding the interplay between Wnt/β-catenin signaling, radiation injury, and microbial infection is therefore essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies.

The primary goal of this Research Topic is to explore and elucidate the intricate mechanisms by which Wnt/β-catenin signaling influences skin regeneration following radiation-induced injury, with a particular focus on the interactions between this signaling pathway and microbial infections. We aim to gather cutting-edge research that advances our understanding of how radiation affects Wnt signaling in skin cells and how these alterations contribute to the pathology of radiation burns. Additionally, we seek to highlight recent advances in modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling as a therapeutic approach to enhance skin regeneration and combat infections in irradiated tissues. By addressing these challenges, this Research Topic aims to encourage a multidisciplinary dialogue that spans molecular biology, dermatology, microbiology, and regenerative medicine. Ultimately, the objective is to identify novel therapeutic targets and strategies that can be translated into clinical practice, improving outcomes for patients suffering from radiation-induced skin injuries.

This Research Topic invites submissions that delve into the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in radiation-induced skin injury and regeneration. Specific themes include, but are not limited to,

-The modulation of Wnt signaling pathways in response to radiation exposure,
-The interaction between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and immune responses in the context of skin regeneration,
-The role of microbial infections in complicating the healing process,
-Innovative therapeutic approaches that target Wnt/β-catenin to enhance skin repair and infection control.

We welcome original research articles that present new data, as well as reviews that synthesize current knowledge and offer original perspectives on these topics. Additionally, articles that discuss the translational potential of targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling for therapeutic intervention in radiation-induced skin injuries are encouraged. Through this Research Topic, we aim to create a comprehensive resource that advances research in the field of skin regeneration after radiation exposure.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling, Skin Stem Cells, Radiation-Induced Skin Injury, Skin Regeneration, Microbiological Infections, Regenerative Therapies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.