Merkel cells are neuroendocrine cells in the epidermis with both neuronal and epithelial features. They are innervated by nerve endings and functions in light touch sensation. In mouse skin, Merkel cells cluster in a specialized structure called the touch dome. Merkel cells are derived from epithelial progenitors, however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this process are largely unknown. Using sophisticated mouse genetics and single-cell transcriptome analysis， Lingling Miao studies the roadmap of embryonic Merkel cell development, and the regulatory mechanisms through which epithelial progenitors give rise to neuroendocrine cells. Since embryonic development shares many similarities with tumorigenesis, she also investigates how the signaling pathways responsible for Merkel cell development function in Merkel cell carcinoma.