Dermal Condensate Cells (DP)

Dermal fibroblasts lying under the forming epidermal placode start aggregating at E13.5 and form dermal condensates. Dermal condensates mark the location of the future hair follicle. These condensates are in close contact with the invading epithelial placodes. Dermal condensate cells provide signaling to the overlying placode, stimulating both its growth and extension of the forming hair follicle.