Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 16, 2026
12:21
Feeder-free Derivation of Melanocytes from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: March 3, 2016
10.9K
Glabrous lesional stem cells differentiated into functional melanocytes: new hope for repigmentation
Summary
Researchers found NGFRp75-positive stem cells in glabrous skin of vitiligo patients, offering new hope for repigmentation. These stem cells can differentiate into melanocytes, crucial for restoring skin color in non-hairy areas.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Vitiligo involves melanocyte loss, with repigmentation challenging in hairless glabrous skin.
- Existing melanocyte stem cell reservoirs are primarily associated with hair follicles, leaving glabrous skin treatment options limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of stem cells within glabrous lesional skin of vitiligo patients.
- To determine if these stem cells can serve as a source for melanocyte repopulation.
Main Methods:
- Collected skin grafts from glabrous lesional areas of vitiligo patients.
- Utilized immunohistochemistry to identify stem cells in the glabrous skin.
- Isolated, cultured, and characterized these stem cells, then induced differentiation into melanocytes.
Main Results:
- NGFRp75-positive stem cells were identified in the glabrous lesional skin of vitiligo patients.
- These stem cells demonstrated self-renewal capacity and successfully differentiated into melanocytes.
- The findings indicate a potential endogenous source of melanocytes for repigmentation.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of stem cells in glabrous skin offers a new therapeutic avenue for vitiligo patients with lesions in these areas.
- Current treatments are insufficient to activate stem cell differentiation and migration for effective repigmentation.
- Future strategies should focus on stimulating stem cell differentiation and epidermal migration for successful glabrous skin repigmentation.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
3.2K
The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular...
3.2K
01:06Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell
4.3K
A hair follicle or HF is a small part of the skin that produces the hair shaft. Paul Gerson Unna was the first to observe a bulge in the human hair follicle's outer root sheath (ORS). The bulge is present between the sebaceous gland and the arrector pili muscle and is the niche for hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). The bulge is also a niche for melanocyte stem cells, and their loss results in graying of hair. The HFSCs express Sox9 and Lhx2, which help them maintain stemness and prevent...
4.3K
01:22iPS Cell Differentiation
3.3K
The ability of induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs to differentiate into most body cell types has stimulated repair and regenerative medicine research over the past few decades. iPSC-derived blood cells, hepatocytes, beta islet cells, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types can repair injuries or regenerate damaged tissue in diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
3.3K
01:19Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
3.4K
Epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) are mainly located at the basal layer of the epidermis. These cells repair minor injuries of the skin and replace dead skin cells. However, EpiSCs’ cannot heal severe wounds such as major burns or those from diabetes or hereditary disorders. In such cases, culturing the epidermal stem cells from the patient is possible and has yielded successful treatment options, such as laboratory-grown skin grafts. These grafts are synthesized using a patient’s own...
3.4K
01:19Pigmentation
4.9K
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
4.9K
01:30Skin Cancer
6.5K
Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
6.5K