WSU Researchers Uncover Secrets to Youthful Skin in Pigs and Grizzly Bears

Discovery of post-birth formation of rete ridges could revolutionize skin aging and scar repair treatments

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:09am

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A highly textured, abstract painting in soft earth tones, featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, representing the complex microscopic structure of rete ridges and the role of BMP signaling in their formation.A groundbreaking discovery about the microscopic skin structures that hold the key to youthful skin and improved scar repair.Irvine Today

Researchers at Washington State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about a microscopic skin structure shared by humans, pigs, and grizzly bears, which could revolutionize our understanding of skin aging and repair. The team found that rete ridges, which act as nature's Velcro to anchor the epidermis to the dermal layer, actually develop shortly after birth, challenging previous assumptions. By studying the genetic mapping of these structures, they identified bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling as a key player in rete ridge formation.

Why it matters

This discovery has significant implications for skin aging and scar repair treatments, as reactivating BMP signaling could be the key to restoring youthful skin. The choice of animal models has been a major hurdle in skin research, as common biomedical models like mice and non-human primates lack rete ridges, making them unsuitable for studying this crucial skin structure. The researchers' collaboration with local farmers and the WSU Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center provided valuable insights from pigs and grizzly bears, which have skin structures more similar to humans.

The details

The researchers found that rete ridges, which resemble tiny ridges and valleys, act as nature's Velcro, anchoring the epidermis to the dermal layer and maintaining skin elasticity and strength. As we age, these ridges flatten, leading to thinner, more vulnerable skin. The team discovered that rete ridges actually develop shortly after birth, challenging previous assumptions that they form during fetal development. By studying the genetic mapping of these structures, they identified bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling as a key player in rete ridge formation.

  • The research findings were published in Nature in 2026.
  • The team has filed a provisional patent related to these discoveries.

The players

Ryan Driskell

Associate Professor at Washington State University and lead researcher on the study.

Maksim Plikus

Professor at the University of California, Irvine, who highlighted the translational potential of the research findings.

Washington State University Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center

Collaborated with the research team to provide insights from grizzly bear skin samples.

Local farmers

Collaborated with the research team to provide pig skin samples at various developmental stages.

Spokane Dermatology

Clinical experts who collaborated with the research team.

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What they’re saying

“BMP proteins have already been FDA-approved for orthodontic applications, paving the way for their use in skin aging and scar treatment.”

— Maksim Plikus, Professor, University of California, Irvine

What’s next

The researchers have filed a provisional patent related to these discoveries and are exploring the potential for using BMP signaling to develop new treatments for skin aging and scar repair.

The takeaway

This groundbreaking research on the post-birth formation of rete ridges in humans, pigs, and grizzly bears could unlock the secrets to youthful skin and revolutionize scar repair treatments. The discovery of the key role of BMP signaling in this process opens up new avenues for developing innovative skin care solutions.