WSU Researchers Unlock Secrets of Pig and Grizzly Bear Skin

Findings could lead to new anti-aging and scar repair therapies

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Researchers at Washington State University have discovered that the microscopic skin structure shared by humans, pigs, and grizzly bears could hold the key to reversing or slowing skin aging and improving wound and scar repair. By studying the development of these skin ridges, called rete ridges, the team identified a key molecular signal that drives their formation, opening up potential new therapies.

Why it matters

Understanding the origin and development of rete ridges, which degrade as we age, could allow scientists to find ways to restore these important skin structures and maintain youthful, elastic skin. This breakthrough also has implications for improving scar repair, as the same molecular pathways involved in rete ridge formation may be leveraged.

The details

WSU researchers found that contrary to previous assumptions, rete ridges actually develop shortly after birth, not during fetal growth. By studying pig skin, which has a similar structure to human skin, the team was able to precisely track the day-by-day development of these ridges and identify the key BMP signaling pathway that drives their formation. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that rete ridge structure is established before birth, opening up new possibilities for influencing skin architecture later in life.

  • The WSU research team collected skin tissue samples from pigs at various developmental stages to study rete ridge formation.
  • The researchers found that rete ridges emerge after birth, rather than during fetal development as previously thought.

The players

Ryan Driskell

An associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine's School of Molecular Biosciences at Washington State University and the senior author on the research paper.

Sean Thompson

A doctoral student in Driskell's lab who worked on the study.

Maksim Plikus

A professor at the University of California, Irvine and a co-author on the research paper.

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What they’re saying

“These structures degrade as we age; now we know how they form and have a blueprint to guide future work on restoring them.”

— Ryan Driskell, Associate Professor (krem.com)

“Use of BMP proteins has already been FDA-approved for orthodontic applications, mapping the way for their use in aged skin and scars.”

— Maksim Plikus, Professor (krem.com)

What’s next

The researchers plan to further investigate how the BMP signaling pathway that drives rete ridge formation could be leveraged to develop new therapies for skin aging and scar repair.

The takeaway

This breakthrough research on the microscopic skin structure shared by humans, pigs, and grizzly bears opens up exciting new possibilities for reversing the effects of skin aging and improving wound healing and scar repair. By understanding the origins of these key skin structures, scientists may be able to find ways to restore youthful skin architecture and unlock new therapeutic approaches.