Differentiation of CD34+ Human Hair Follicle Stem Cells into Functional Melanocytes

This study focused on differentiating human CD34+ hair follicle stem cells into functional melanocytes, which are melanin-producing cells. The researchers aimed to address skin degenerative diseases like vitiligo and psoriasis by leveraging the unique immunomodulatory properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). The differentiation process was characterized by the expression of proliferation markers dopachrome tautomerase (DCT) and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), as well as differentiation markers melanocytic antigen (PNL2) and tyrosinase (TYR). The results confirmed successful differentiation, with melanin production verified through ELISA to estimate melanin content, suggesting a promising cellular therapy for skin degenerative diseases.