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Hair follicle stem cells
Robert M Lavker1, Tung-Tien Sun, Hideo Oshima
1Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA. R-lavker@northwestern.edu
Summary
Hair follicle stem cells are multipotent, generating hair, epidermis, and sebaceous glands. These stem cells are located in the bulge region and play key roles in the hair cycle.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Dermatology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are crucial for hair cycle regulation.
- Understanding HFSC biology is key to regenerative therapies.
- Previous research has explored HFSC differentiation potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To consolidate current knowledge on HFSC biology.
- To explore the multipotency and location of HFSCs.
- To elucidate the role of HFSCs in the hair cycle.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural analysis.
- In vitro studies on epithelial plasticity.
- Workshop discussions synthesizing diverse research approaches.
Main Results:
- Follicular epithelial stem cells are multipotent, differentiating into hair, epidermis, and sebaceous gland.
- Adult corneal epithelium can form epidermis and hair follicles under specific conditions.
- HFSCs with stem cell attributes are localized to the bulge region of human fetal hair follicles.
Conclusions:
- HFSCs are multipotent and may represent the ultimate epidermal stem cell.
- Stem cell plasticity is demonstrated in epithelial differentiation.
- The bulge region is identified as a key niche for HFSCs involved in the hair cycle.