Wnt5a is expressed in the embryonic epidermis but not required for hair follicle induction.

<p>(A) Wnt5a highly expressed in the epidermis, and its expression in the dermis is relatively weak, no significant expression is detected in developing placodes. (B and C) <i>Shh</i> is normally expressed in placodes in Wnt5a null embryos at E14.5. (D and E) The down-growth of embryonic hair follicles in <i>Wnt5a</i>-deficient skin is unaffected, as indicated by red arrows. Abbreviations: epi, epidermis; p, placode.