CD49fhigh Defines a Distinct Skin Mesenchymal Stem Cell Population Capable of Hair Follicle Epithelial Cell Maintenance
CD49f mesenchymal stem cells hair follicle epithelial cells Notch signaling neural crest-like characteristics multi-lineage differentiation adipocytes Schwann cells epidermal cyst-like spheres Itga7 hair follicle maintenance hair follicle regeneration stem cells hair follicle cells Notch pathway fat cells nerve cells skin cysts
TLDR A specific group of skin stem cells was found to help maintain hair follicle cells.
The study identified a distinct population of skin mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) marked by high expression of CD49f (CD49f^high), which played a crucial role in maintaining hair follicle epithelial cells and inducing hair follicle-like structures through Notch signaling. These cells exhibited neural crest-like characteristics and demonstrated significant multi-lineage differentiation potential, including into adipocytes and Schwann cells. The inhibition of Notch signaling led to the formation of epidermal cyst-like spheres and loss of hair follicle epithelial cell characteristics. The researchers also identified Itga7 as a complementary marker for isolating CD49f^high cells. The findings suggested that CD49f^high MSCs could be pivotal in hair follicle maintenance and regeneration, offering potential therapeutic avenues for hair loss and related conditions.
