Micromorphological Sculptural Diversity in Foliar Epidermis and Trichomes Features among Invasive Species.

This study examines the role of light microscopic (LM) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) micromorphological traits of the epidermis in identifying and classifying invasive plants. SEM was conducted to increase our understanding of microscopic qualities that are not visible in light microscopy and to elucidate unclear affinities among invasive species. The study examines invasive species' morphological and anatomical characteristics from the Pothohar Plateau of Pakistan for the first time. The results showed that various micromorphological features are very useful for species' accurate identification. Adaxial and abaxial surfaces of leaves showed variations in subsidiary cells, glands, anticlinal wall patterns, stomata, and epidermal cells. Epidermal cell shapes observed were irregular, elongated, rectangular, and polygonal. Epidermal cells having maximum length were calculated in Stellaria media (126.3 µm) on adaxial side. On the abaxial surface, the minimum length was noticed in Eucalyptus camaldulensis (28.5 µm). Both glandular and nonglandular trichomes were examined, ranging from unicellular to multicellular. Most of the investigated specimens of leaves were amphistomatic, while some were hypostomatic, like Alternanthera pungens, Calotropis procera, Cannabis sativa, Lantana camara, and Thevetia peruviana. Leaf epidermal morphology contains numerous useful systematic features for accurate identifications of plant species. The micromorphological attributes under observation provide a standard criterion to the researcher for identifications of invasive flora in future morpho-taxonomic studies.

Morpho-palynological and anatomical studies in desert cacti (Opuntia dillenii and Opuntia monacantha) using light and scanning electron microscopy.

Opuntia is the most diverse and widely distributed drought resistant promising genus of family Cactaceae. The cladodes were utilized to quantify the chemical composition of these plants helpful in lignocellulose conversion and their application towards biofuel production. The present study was aimed to evaluate and compare the taxonomic relationship based on morphology, stem anatomy and palynology of important desert cacti including Opuntia dillenii and Opuntia monacantha. This study also evaluates the potential usefulness of morphological, anatomical and pollen traits using light and scanning electron microscopy. The obtained microcharacters of stem and flowers are considered diagnostic at the generic and specific levels. Some distinguishing morphological features observed were elliptical to obovate cladodes, 1-7 spines per areole and presence of glochidia in O. dillenii. Pollen and stem anatomical characters of the studied taxa are considered highly diagnostic at the generic and species levels. The epidermis has irregular and wavy cells, with straight to sinuate wall pattern and paracytic stomata. Pollen grains appear as pantoporate and prolate spheroidal having reticulate to perforate-reticulate sculpturing while exine semi-tectate to tectate. The taxonomic features studied could be valuable to elaborate and helpful in correctly identification of Opuntia species. The methods of diverse microscopic examination also providing sufficient evidence about the taxonomy of the Opuntia species. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Description and illustration of desert cacti Opuntia. Morpho-anatomy and palynology were studied with LM and SEM. Highly variation in taxonomic qualitative and quantitative features. Systematic significance based on taxonomic characters was presented.

Scanning electron microscopy of murine skin ultrathin sections and cultured keratinocytes.

Generating high-quality electron microscopy images of the skin and keratinocytes can be challenging. Here we describe a simple protocol for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of murine skin. The protocol enables characterization of the ultrastructure of the epidermis, dermis, hair follicles, basement membrane, and cell-cell junctions. We detail the specific steps for sample preparation and highlight the critical need for proper orientation of the sample for ultrathin sectioning. We also describe the isolation and preparation of primary keratinocyte monolayers for SEM. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Biswas et al. (2021).

Establishment of long-term ostracod epidermal culture.

Primary crustacean cell culture was introduced in the 1960s, but to date limited cell lines have been established. Skogsbergia lerneri is a myodocopid ostracod, which has a body enclosed within a thin, durable, transparent bivalved carapace, through which the eye can see. The epidermal layer lines the inner surface of the carapace and is responsible for carapace synthesis. The purpose of the present study was to develop an in vitro epidermal tissue and cell culture method for S. lerneri. First, an optimal environment for the viability of this epidermal tissue was ascertained, while maintaining its cell proliferative capacity. Next, a microdissection technique to remove the epidermal layer for explant culture was established and finally, a cell dissociation method for epidermal cell culture was determined. Maintenance of sterility, cell viability and proliferation were key throughout these processes. This novel approach for viable S. lerneri epidermal tissue and cell culture augments our understanding of crustacean cell biology and the complex biosynthesis of the ostracod carapace. In addition, these techniques have great potential in the fields of biomaterial manufacture, the military and fisheries, for example, in vitro toxicity testing.

Comparative foliar anatomical and pollen morphological studies of Acanthaceae using light microscope and scanning electron microscope for effective microteaching in community.

In this study, foliar anatomy and pollen morphology of 10 species of Acanthaceae has been investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The study was aimed to highlight the role of microscopy in microteaching at community for proper characterization of plants using palyno-anatomical characters including pollen type, exine sculpturing, shape of epidermal cells, pattern of anticlinal wall, type and size of stomata, and trichome. Most of the species have polygonal cell shapes but some species have irregular, tetragonal, and pentagonal shape of epidermal cells. The largest epidermal cell length on adaxial and abaxial surface were observed in Asystasia gangetica 66.95 and 87.40 µm whereas least was observed on adaxial surface in Justicia adhatoda 36.9 µm and on abaxial surface in Barleria cristata 35.65 µm. In anatomy, species have diacytic type of stomata, whereas stomata of paracytic type observed in two species, while in A. gangetica cyclocytic type of stomata are present. Quantitively on abaxial surface, largest stomata length 29.9 µm and width 24.30 µm was noted in B. cristata. While shortest stomata length was observed in Ruellia prostrata 25.95 µm whereas minimum width of stomata was examined in Barleria acanthoides 2.05 µm. The diversity of trichomes are present in all species except in Ruellia brittoniana. Acanthaceae can be characterized by exhibiting different pollen morphology having five types of pollen shapes, prolate, spheroidal, perprolate, subprolate, and oblate spheroidal. Exine peculiarities showing variations such as reticulate, granulate, coarsely reticulate, lophoreticulate, perforate tectate, and granulate surface were examined.

General and specific microscopic characteristics of the dorsal tail scales and the spines of the crest in the tuatara Sphenodon pucntatus (Reptilia; Rhynchocephalia; Sphenodontidae).

Dorsal crest scales and those of the tail spines of the tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) represent different specializations involved in display and protection. Erection of the dorsal crest occurs in males during combat and courtship, but tail spines are not noticeably involved in these activities. In both scale derivatives corneous beta proteins (CBPs, formerly called beta-keratins) and intermediate filaments keratins (IFKs) were determined by immunolabelling. The dermis is dense with few sparse fibrocytes surrounded by collagen bundles, the latter rather randomly oriented in the crest scales. In the tail ridge scales banded collagen I fibrils form more regular, orthogonally aligned bundles of alternating layers with connections to the basal epidermal membrane. A conglomerate of dermal melanonophores and iridophores is present under the epidermis. The iridophores are the likely origin of the whitish colour of the crest. The epidermis shows a thicker beta-layer with serrated/indented corneocytes in the tail scales while the beta layer is reduced in the crest but contains CBPs. A relatively thick mesos layer is present in both scale derivatives, especially in the crest where its role, aside from limiting transpiration, is not known. The alpha-layer is formed by corneocytes with irregular perimeter and sparse desmosomal remnants. The high labelling intensity for CBPs in the beta-layer disappears in the mesos layer but occurs, albeit strongly reduced, in the alpha-layer as in the other body scales. The take-home message is that the dense dermis and its apical beta-layer strengthen mechanically the ridge spines while the crest is mainly supported by the firm but pliable and less dense or regular dermis.

Applications of scanning electron microscopy in taxonomy with special reference to family Euphorbiaceae.

The present study was carried out to identify the 20 medicinally important species of family Euphorbiaceae by the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the foliar anatomical characteristics. Both qualitative and quantitative measurements for the anatomical characters like epidermal cells, stomata, trichomes, and subsidiary cells on both abaxial(ab) and adaxial(ad) epidermis were recorded. Remarkable variations in these anatomical features had been observed among the studied Euphorbiaceae species. Most species had epidermal cells irregular or polygonal in shape, only five species had hexagonal cells, that is, Euphorbia neriifolia L., Euphorbia prostate Aiton, Jatropha integerrima Jacq., Vernicia fordii (Hemsl.), and Euphorbia royleana Boiss. Stomata were abundant on abaxial epidermis as compared to adaxial epidermis. E. prostate Aiton, Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotzsch and Phyllanthus emblica L. possessed anomocytic stomata, and Euphorbia helioscopia L., Euphorbia cotinifolia L., E. neriifolia L., and Ricinus communis L. possessed anisocytic stomata, while rest of the species had paracytic stomata. Trichomes were present in very few species including Euphorbia hirta L., E. prostate Aiton, E. pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotzsch, and Putranjiva roxburghii Wall. Similarly, variations were also reported by quantitative features such as E. helioscopia L. can be distinguished from E. hirta on the basis of length of epidermal cells, that is, 103.4 ± 0.15 and 74.9 ± 0.55 µm, respectively. Moreover, E. pulcherrima Willd. Ex Klotzsch had trichomes with the length of 408 ± 0.55 µm and P. roxburghii Wall. had trichome with the length of 314.2 ± 1.35 µm, respectively. These findings confirmed that taxonomic utility of the anatomical traits for the identification of studied Euphorbiaceae taxa.

Scanning electron microscopic screening of 20 medicinally important Asteroideae taxa.

In the present study anatomical characterization of 20 medicinally important Asteroideae species were done under light and scanning electron microscopy. Variety of qualitative and quantitative anatomical characters like epidermal cells, stomata, guard cells, subsidiary cells, trichomes and oil droplets were observed. Generally pentagonal, polygonal, irregular or hexagonal, smooth, undulating thick walled epidermal cells were observed in studied species. In abaxial surface Thymophylla tenuiloba L. possessed the largest length of epidermal cell that is, 221.6 (156.6-286.6) µm whereas Bellis perenis L. showed the smallest length that is, 46.4 (32.6-60.2) µm. Average width of epidermal cells ranged from 57 (22-92) µm to 169 (127.9-210.1) µm. Cosmos sulphureus Cav. had smallest width while Thymophylla tenuiloba L. had the largest width. In adaxial surface Artemisia absinthium L. possessed the largest length of epidermal cell that is, 269 (165.1-372.9) µm whereas Bellis perenis L. showed the smallest length that is, 61.4 (42.6-80.2) µm. Average width of epidermal cells ranged from 50.8 (32.6-69) µm to 260 (116-202) µm. Thymophylla tenuiloba L. had smallest width while Dahlia pinnata Cav. had the largest width. Among stomatal characters anisocytic, anomocytic, and diacytic stomata were observed in selected species of Asteroideae. Nonglandular uniserate, multicellular, unbranched pointed tips with bulbous base trichomes were reported in some Asteroideae members while some possessed glandular, capitates mushroom like multicellular trichomes covered with tubercle papicles. Rounded, oval, triangular shaped oil droplets were observed in some species. It is concluded that qualitative and qualitative anatomical variations in trichomes, stomata and epidermal cells are of good taxonomic value for the Asteroideae species.

Epidermal Cell Surface Structure and Chitin-Protein Co-assembly Determine Fiber Architecture in the Locust Cuticle.

The geometrical similarity of helicoidal fiber arrangement in many biological fibrous extracellular matrices, such as bone, plant cell wall, or arthropod cuticle, to that of cholesteric liquid mesophases has led to the hypothesis that they may form passively through a mesophase precursor rather than by direct cellular control. In search of direct evidence to support or refute this hypothesis, here, we studied the process of cuticle formation in the tibia of the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, where daily growth layers arise by the deposition of fiber arrangements alternating between unidirectional and helicoidal structures. Using focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) volume imaging and scanning X-ray scattering, we show that the epidermal cells determine an initial fiber orientation, from which the final architecture emerges by the self-organized co-assembly of chitin and proteins. Fiber orientation in the locust cuticle is therefore determined by both active and passive processes.

Leaf structure and seed histochemistry analyses provided structural insights into the improved yield and quality of tree peony seed under light shading conditions.

In biology, structure is the basis of function. For plants, changes in their physiological and ecological functions are usually caused by structural changes. To understand how shading conditions change the plant structures, thereby providing structural insights into the improved yield and quality, oilseed tree peony were shaded with different densities of polyethylene nets from 28 days after pollination (DAP) until harvesting. The thickness of the leaf (LT), vein (VT), upper epidermis (UET), lower epidermis (LET), palisade tissue (PT), sponge tissue (ST), as well as the accumulation and distribution of starch, protein, and fat, were observed at 14-day intervals. The results showed that shading had a significant effect on the anatomical structure of the leaves. In the rapid growth period (before 70 DAP), the LT, ET, and VT under shading were significantly lower than under non-shading. During this period, the accumulation of starch and protein under shading was lower than that under non-shading. At the maturation period (99-112 DAP), the LT and PT under shading were higher than under non-shading, indicating that light shading delayed leaf senescence and increased photosynthetic capacity. Shading delayed the degradation of the integument cells and prolonged seed development and nutrient accumulation.

Foliar micromorphology and its role in identification of the Apocynaceae taxa.

In the present study, we evaluate the importance of foliar epidermal micromorphological characteristics of Apocyanaceae for accurate identification and classification. The species were collected from the University of Peshawar's main campus in the spring season to observe its qualitative and quantitative features. The length and width of guard cells, stomatal pore and subsidiary cells, trichomes, and crypts on both sides of the leaf were examined. Many species were observed to be hypostomatic. Plumeria rubra, Raulfia serpentine, Thevetia peruviana, Trachelospermum lucidum, Alstonia scholaris, and Catharanthus roseus demonstrated hypostomatic leaves. Nearly all the investigated species had anisocytic type of stomata only or in combination with other types of stomata on the upper and lower epidermis. Carissa carandas had anomocytic, anisocytic, and cyclocytic type of stomata on the upper epidermis, and the lower epidermis showed variations in stomatal type, such as anomocytic, stephanocytic, brachyparacytic, and hemiparacytic. Nerium oleander had no specific shape of stomata but showed stomatal crypts in which the stomata were enclosed inside many trichomes. The taxonomic key based on stomatal types, epidermal cells, stomatal index value, and statistical analysis, along with the variations in the epidermal cells, shows the link between the selected plants species, which will provide a baseline for future anatomical studies. This study highlights many undocumented micromorphological characteristics. The anatomical characteristics observed in this study will be helpful for taxonomic identification and species delimitation of the family Apocynaceae.

Comparative pollen and foliar micromorphological studies using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of some selected species of Lamiaceae from Alpine Zone of Deosai Plateau, Western Himalayas.

The study was conducted to highlight a detailed account of morphology of pollen chosen species of Lamiaceae through scanning electron microscopy, and the anatomical characteristics of leaf epidermis of seven species using simple light microscopy. In results, Anisomeles indica and Otostegia aucheri belong to subfamily Lamioideae because it has tricolpate pollen while the rest eight species belong to subfamily Nepetoideae (hexacolpate pollen). The exine sculpturing of pollen of studied species was found to be reticulate. In the family Lamiaceae, four kinds of stomata were found anomocytic, anisocytic, diacytic, and actinocytic, respectively. The cell wall patterns of epidermal cells were irregular or polygonal with straight or undulate walls. It was noted that the variety of the epidermal trichomes seems of taxonomically important for the identification of species of Lamiaceae. Both nonglandular and glandular trichomes were analyzed. The nonglandular trichomes were characterized with long, thin, and pointed apical unicellular cells. The nonglandular trichomes were A-shaped in Thymus linearis. In Perovskia abrotanoides, stellate glandular trichomes were observed whereas in A. indica and Mentha royleana both glandular and nonglandular trichomes were found. In A. indica, the nonglandular trichomes were sessile and peltate in M. royleana. For the first time in this study, pollen and foliar micromorphological features of selected species of this area are carried out. These taxonomic characters were found to be important in discrimination of species from each other. In future, the detailed study with comprehensive morphology coupled with other important characters is required for delimitation of taxa at various levels.

Foliar epidermal anatomy of some selected wild edible fruits of Pakistan using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

The present study is focused on the detailed foliar epidermal anatomy of some selected wild edible fruits (WEFs) from Pakistan using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The studied species are Ficus racemosa L., Solanum nigrum L., Capparis spinosa L., Physalis divaricata D.Don, Rosa moschata Herrm. and Ribes orientale Desf. collected from various localities of Pakistan. The objective of the present study is to investigate qualitative and quantitative anatomical characters for the identification and differentiation of collected wild edible fruits. The characters studied are shape and size of epidermal cells, anticlinal wall pattern, trichome type and shape, average number of stomata, length and width of stomata and pore. The detailed microscopic investigation and variations in the characters recorded have a key role in the determination and authentication of wild edible fruits. This study possesses great potential for plant taxonomists to further evaluate the species at molecular and genetic levels.

Filaggrin Expression and Processing Deficiencies Impair Corneocyte Surface Texture and Stiffness in Mice.

Abundant corneocyte surface protrusions, observed in patients with atopic dermatitis with filaggrin loss-of-function mutations, are inversely associated with levels of natural moisturizing factors (NMFs) in the stratum corneum. To dissect the etiological role of NMFs and filaggrin deficiency in surface texture alterations, we examined mouse models with genetic deficiencies in the synthesis or degradation of filaggrin monomers for NMFs, cell stiffness (elastic modulus) and corneocyte surface protrusion density (dermal texture index). Five neonatal and adult mouse models carrying inactivating mutations of SASPase (Sasp-/-), filaggrin (Flgft/ft and Flg-/-), filaggrin-hornerin (FlgHrnr-/-), and bleomycin hydrolase (Blmh-/-) were investigated. Sasp-/- and Flg-/- were on the hairless mouse background. Atomic force microscopy was used to determine elastic modulus and dermal texture index. Corneocytes of each neonatal as well as hairless adult knockout mouse exhibited an increased number of protrusions and decreased elastic modulus. In these mice, NMFs were reduced except for Sasp-/-. Dermal texture index was inversely correlated with NMFs and elastic modulus. Our findings demonstrate that any filaggrin-NMF axis deficiency can affect corneocyte mechanical properties in mice and likely in humans. Differences in NMFs and corneocyte surface texture between neonatal and adult as well as hairless and hairy mice emphasize the need for carefully selecting the most appropriate animal models for studies.

Seed morphology using SEM techniques for identification of useful grasses in Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan.

In recent study, 15 taxa of family Poaceae from Dera Ghazi Khan were investigated for morphological characterization of seeds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to study morphological features of grass seeds. Moreover, economic importance of studied taxa has been discussed in present research. Grass seeds or caryopsis were collected in their mature state from different areas of Dera Ghazi Khan. Collected caryopses were subjected to SEM to investigate surface sculpture, epidermal cell shape, and cell wall patterns. Caryopsis shape observed was elliptic to oval. Also, the morphology of plant is being investigated. Cell wall pattern observed was straight and wavy. Surface sculpturing varies from smooth to reticulate. Epidermal cell shape was either wavy or irregular. Hilum position is terminal in all species. Epidermal cell structure and cell wall pattern was not observable in some species. Major variations among studied taxa were observed in terms of seed surface pattern. Five types of caryopsis surface pattern were observed namely, striate, smooth, reticulate, papillate, and granulate. Investigated taxa illustrated variations in terms of studied morphological features. Utilization of SEM has been proved very helpful in exploring seed morphological features. These observed features can aid in delimitation and identification of various grass taxa. Recent research recommends the utilization of SEM for caryopsis morphology to solve the identification issue of problematic grass genera.

Microridges are apical epithelial projections formed of F-actin networks that organize the glycan layer.

Apical projections are integral functional units of epithelial cells. Microvilli and stereocilia are cylindrical apical projections that are formed of bundled actin. Microridges on the other hand, extend laterally, forming labyrinthine patterns on surfaces of various kinds of squamous epithelial cells. So far, the structural organization and functions of microridges have remained elusive. We have analyzed microridges on zebrafish epidermal cells using confocal and electron microscopy methods including electron tomography, to show that microridges are formed of F-actin networks and require the function of the Arp2/3 complex for their maintenance. During development, microridges begin as F-actin punctae showing signatures of branching and requiring an active Arp2/3 complex. Using inhibitors of actin polymerization and the Arp2/3 complex, we show that microridges organize the surface glycan layer. Our analyses have unraveled the F-actin organization supporting the most abundant and evolutionarily conserved apical projection, which functions in glycan organization.

Microscopic investigations of some selected species of Papilionaceae through SEM and LM from Skardu valley, northern Pakistan.

Pollen morphology of 10 species and foliar epidermal anatomy of eight species of Papilionaceae from Skardu valley, northern Pakistan has been estimated for the first time. The present study was commenced with an aim to provide a detailed account of the pollen morphology by scanning electron microscopy and foliar epidermal anatomy by light microscopy. The pollen aperture was tricolporate with reticulate exine in the selected species. Stomata types are actinocytic, paracytic, and anomocytic. Irregular or polygonal with undulate or straight walls, epidermal cells were reported. A unique diversity was observed in the foliar trichomes that show the taxonomic significance of the discrimination of taxa. Non-glandular trichomes were observed in the selected species which are unicellular with thin, long and pointed apical cells. Pollen and foliar micro morphological characters proved to be helpful for the identification of taxa at a specific level.

Micromorphological investigation of leaf epidermis and seeds of Vitaceae from Pakistan using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy.

This present study is the first report on the detailed foliar epidermal anatomy and micromorphology of seeds of five species of Vitaceae from Pakistan using light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The studied species occur at various localities particularly higher altitude. Qualitative and quantitative leaf micromorphological characters investigated here are related to shape and size of epidermal cells, anticlinal wall pattern, stomatal pore, guard cell, stomatal complex, subsidiary cells, and trichomes. Variations in size and shape were observed in the studied species. Irregular, polygonal and elongated epidermal cells with straight or undulate margins, stomata anomocytic type, and trichomes nonglandular, unicellular to multicellular in all the studied plants. Seed micromorphological qualitative characters studied are shape of margins, integument cell, apical notch, chalaza, anticlinal wall thickness, and quantitative characters are number of seeds per berry, length, and width of seed, length to width ratio. The detailed distribution and microscopic characteristics investigated of family Vitaceae has a distinguished role in identification at genus and species level and may provide evidence in the determination of taxonomic rank of the family in the phylogenetic tree. This study possesses potential for plant taxonomists to further evaluate the species for phytochemical studies and physiology. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy was used for the micromorphological investigation of family Vitaceae Qualitative and quantitative characteristics were studied Variation in microscopic features of leaf epidermis and seeds Identification of species based on micromorphological characters.

Palyno-anatomical studies of monocot taxa and its taxonomic implications using light and scanning electron microscopy.

Palyno-anatomical study of monocots taxa using Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was first time conducted with a view to evaluating their taxonomic significance. Studied plants were collected from different eco-climatic zones of Pakistan ranges from tropical, sub-tropical, and moist habitats. The aim of this study is to use palyno-anatomical features for the correct identification, systematic comparison, and investigation to elucidate the taxonomic significance of these features, which are useful to taxonomists for identifying monocot taxa. A signification variation was observed in quantitative and qualitative characters by using the standard protocol of light microscopy (LM) and SEM. Epidermal cell length varied from maximum in Allium griffthianum (480 ± 35.9) µm at the adaxial surface to minimum in Canna indica (33.6 ± 8.53) µm on abaxial surface. Maximum exine thickness was observed in Canna indica (4.46) µm and minimum in Allium grifthianum (0.8) µm. Variation was observed in shape and exine ornamentation of the pollen, shape of the epidermal cell, number, size, and type of stomata, guard cell shape, and anticlinal wall pattern. Based on these palyno-anatomical features a taxonomic key was developed, which help in the discrimination of studied taxa. In conclusion, LM and SEM pollen and epidermal morphology is explanatory, significant, and can be of special interest for the plant taxonomist in the correct identification of monocots taxa.

Hair follicle epidermal stem cells define a niche for tactile sensation.

The heterogeneity and compartmentalization of stem cells is a common principle in many epithelia, and is known to function in epithelial maintenance, but its other physiological roles remain elusive. Here we show transcriptional and anatomical contributions of compartmentalized epidermal stem cells in tactile sensory unit formation in the mouse hair follicle. Epidermal stem cells in the follicle upper-bulge, where mechanosensory lanceolate complexes innervate, express a unique set of extracellular matrix (ECM) and neurogenesis-related genes. These epidermal stem cells deposit an ECM protein called EGFL6 into the collar matrix, a novel ECM that tightly ensheathes lanceolate complexes. EGFL6 is required for the proper patterning, touch responses, and αv integrin-enrichment of lanceolate complexes. By maintaining a quiescent original epidermal stem cell niche, the old bulge, epidermal stem cells provide anatomically stable follicle-lanceolate complex interfaces, irrespective of the stage of follicle regeneration cycle. Thus, compartmentalized epidermal stem cells provide a niche linking the hair follicle and the nervous system throughout the hair cycle.