Transformation of Amnion Epithelium into Skin and Hair Follicles

In the 2004 study, researchers explored the potential of mouse amnion epithelium to transform into skin and hair follicles under the influence of mesenchymal cells. They combined amnion from E12.5 to E14.5 ROSA 26 strain mice with embryonic hair-forming dermis from wild-type mice, resulting in the formation of fully developed hair follicles and skin epidermis. The origin of the follicular epithelium and skin epidermis from the amnion was confirmed using beta-galactosidase staining. Additionally, the study tested the influence of Noggin and Sonic hedgehog (Shh), factors known to be involved in skin and feather formation, by associating them with mouse amnion. This led to the formation of hair buds in some cases, but was often hindered by excessive fibroblastic proliferation. The study concluded that the amnion does not autonomously transform into skin and hair follicles, and that specific external factors are required to induce this transformation. This finding has implications for tissue engineering and the development of replacement skin.