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Mouse Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cell (EPI-NCSC) Cultures
Published on: May 9, 2008
Mouse epidermal neural crest stem cell (EPI-NCSC) cultures
1Institute of Human Genetics and Northeast England Stem Cell Institute, Newcastle University. Maya.Sieber-Blum@newcastle.ac.uk
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|December 11, 2008
Summary
This study details a protocol for isolating multipotent stem cells, epithelial neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC), from mouse whisker follicles. These cells can differentiate into various cell types, offering potential for regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Epithelial neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC) are multipotent stem cells found in adult hair follicle bulges.
- These cells originate from the embryonic neural crest and possess the capacity to differentiate into diverse cell lineages, including neural, muscular, skeletal, and pigment cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a detailed protocol for the isolation and culture of mouse EPI-NCSC from whisker follicles.
- To establish a method for obtaining pure populations of these accessible stem cells for research.
Main Methods:
- Surgical removal of the whisker pad from adult mice.
- Dissection and longitudinal/transverse cutting of whisker follicles to isolate the bulge region.
- Culture of bulge explants to allow EPI-NCSC emigration.
Main Results:
- Successful isolation of bulge explants from mouse whisker follicles.
- Observation of EPI-NCSC emigration from explants within 3-4 days of culture initiation.
- Demonstration of a feasible method for obtaining pure stem cell cultures.
Conclusions:
- The described protocol enables efficient isolation and culture of mouse EPI-NCSC.
- EPI-NCSC from whisker follicles represent an accessible source of multipotent stem cells.
- This method facilitates further research into the differentiation potential and therapeutic applications of EPI-NCSC.
