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Updated: Jul 2, 2026
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Mouse Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cell (EPI-NCSC) Cultures
Published on: May 9, 2008
Epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC) and pluripotency
1Institute of Human Genetics and North East England Stem Cell Institute, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE13BZ, UK. maya.sieber-blum@ncl.ac.uk
Stem Cell Reviews
|August 21, 2008
Summary
Embryonic neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC) show pluripotency and can be used for cell therapy. These multipotent stem cells have potential for tissue regeneration without tumorigenicity.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Developmental biology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Embryonic neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC) are multipotent stem cells derived from the embryonic neural crest.
- These cells reside in hair follicle bulges and can generate various neural crest derivatives, including neurons, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes.
- Neural crest cells can also produce mesodermal cell types, prompting investigation into EPI-NCSC pluripotency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on EPI-NCSC origin and characteristics.
- To review EPI-NCSC applications in a mouse model of spinal cord injury.
- To present new data on EPI-NCSC pluripotency and their potential for cell replacement therapy.
Main Methods:
- Investigated EPI-NCSC fusion with adult skeletal muscle fibers.
- Assessed the long-term survival of neurogenic EPI-NCSC in adult skeletal muscle.
- Utilized longSAGE and real-time PCR to analyze gene expression profiles, comparing EPI-NCSC with embryonic stem cells (ESC).
Main Results:
- EPI-NCSC fused with skeletal muscle fibers, with incorporated nuclei demonstrating functionality.
- Adult skeletal muscle provides a supportive environment for neurogenic EPI-NCSC survival.
- EPI-NCSC share gene expression similarities (Myc, Klf4, Sox2, Lin28) with ESC but differ in Nanog and Pou5f1 (Oct-4) expression, suggesting a lack of tumorigenicity.
Conclusions:
- EPI-NCSC exhibit characteristics of pluripotent stem cells without being tumorigenic.
- Their ability to migrate, expand in vitro, and potential for autologous transplantation make them attractive for cell replacement therapy and biomedical engineering.
- Minimally-invasive isolation and expansion offer advantages for therapeutic applications, avoiding graft rejection.
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