CD34 Defines Melanocyte Stem Cell Subpopulations With Distinct Regenerative Properties

The study identified CD34 as a marker distinguishing two subpopulations of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) with different regenerative properties. CD34+ McSCs, located in the bulge region of hair follicles, exhibited higher neural crest stem cell marker expression and potential for neural differentiation, including myelination of neurons. In contrast, CD34- McSCs, found in the secondary hair germ (SHG) region, showed higher melanogenic gene expression and were more efficient in melanocyte differentiation and hair follicle pigmentation. These findings, based on experiments with mouse models, suggested that CD34+ and CD34- McSCs have distinct roles in hair follicle regeneration and pigmentation, with potential therapeutic implications for conditions like alopecia and pigmentation disorders.