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Updated: Nov 30, 2025
08:26
Isolation and Culture of Adult Epithelial Stem Cells from Human Skin
Published on: March 31, 2011
28.8K
Regulatory mechanisms governing epidermal stem cell function during development and homeostasis.
1Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Department of Cell, Developmental, and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA.
Development (Cambridge, England)
|November 16, 2020
Summary
Epidermal stem cells (ESCs) maintain skin's protective barrier by balancing self-renewal and differentiation. This review covers recent findings on key regulatory features governing ESC function from development through adulthood.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Proper tissue development and homeostasis depend on regulated cell division and fate decisions.
- Mammalian epidermis relies on epidermal stem cells (ESCs) for barrier function and cell replacement.
- Decades of research have elucidated mechanisms controlling ESCs throughout an organism's life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on regulatory mechanisms controlling epidermal stem cells.
- To highlight key features enabling ESCs to establish a functional barrier during development.
- To discuss how ESCs maintain adult tissue homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on epidermal stem cells.
- Analysis of regulatory mechanisms governing stem cell behavior.
- Synthesis of findings related to development and adult homeostasis.
Main Results:
- Recent studies have deepened the understanding of ESC regulation.
- Key regulatory features are identified for barrier formation during development.
- Insights into ESC maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis are discussed.
Conclusions:
- Stringent regulation of cell division and fate is crucial for epidermal homeostasis.
- Understanding ESC regulatory features is vital for tissue development and adult maintenance.
- This review synthesizes current knowledge on ESCs in epidermal biology.
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