TLDR Stem cell niches support, regulate, and coordinate stem cell functions.
The concept of the stem cell niche had evolved significantly by 2012, reflecting advances in cell visualization, monitoring, and manipulation. Researchers highlighted that niches could be composed of various cell types and extracellular structures, and they might produce factors like Notch, Wnt, FGF, EGF, TGF-β, SCF, and chemokines to regulate stem cell functions. Three main roles of niches were proposed: providing special support for stem cell viability, acting as feedback control systems to regulate stem cell pools, and coordinating interactions among different tissue compartments. The hair follicle niche was cited as an example of the latter, where multiple cell types interact closely to maintain tissue homeostasis.
321 citations
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January 2012 in “Cell stem cell” TGF-β2 helps activate hair follicle stem cells by counteracting BMP signals.
499 citations
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September 2011 in “Cell” Fat-related cells are important for initiating hair growth.
260 citations
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June 2011 in “Cell” Wnt signaling is crucial for pigmented hair regeneration by controlling stem cell activation and differentiation.
176 citations
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April 2011 in “Science” Hair stem cell regeneration is controlled by signals that can explain different hair growth patterns and baldness.
283 citations
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February 2011 in “Cell stem cell” 294 citations
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February 2011 in “Cell” Nephronectin helps attach muscle cells to hair follicles.
1549 citations
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March 2006 in “Science” Understanding stem cell interactions with their environments is key for advancing regenerative medicine.
335 citations
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March 2004 in “Development” The study demonstrated that transient activation of β-catenin signalling in adult mouse epidermis was sufficient to induce new hair follicles, as evidenced by the recruitment of resting hair follicles into the growth cycle and the formation of epithelial outgrowths expressing markers of hair follicle differentiation. This was achieved through the application of 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT) to transgenic mice expressing a modified β-catenin. A single application of 4OHT was as effective as repeated doses. However, continuous activation of β-catenin was necessary to maintain hair follicle tumours, as these benign tumours regressed after the cessation of 4OHT treatment. The findings suggested that adult interfollicular epidermis and sebaceous glands could be reprogrammed, but sustained β-catenin signalling was crucial for maintaining the tumour state.
949 citations
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January 2001 in “Cell” Adult mouse skin contains stem cells that can create new hair, skin, and oil glands.
91 citations
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December 2010 in “Stem Cells” Wnt signaling helps control how brain stem cells divide and is important for brain repair after injury.
205 citations
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August 2007 in “Experimental Cell Research” Stem cell niches are crucial for regulating stem cell renewal and differentiation, and understanding them can help in developing regenerative therapies.
January 2018 in “Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine” The nucleus is key in controlling skin growth and repair by coordinating signals, gene regulators, and epigenetic changes.
32 citations
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April 2016 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” STAT5 activation is crucial for starting the hair growth phase.
223 citations
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January 2014 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” The conclusion is that proper signaling is crucial for hair growth and development, and errors can lead to cancer or hair loss.
57 citations
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March 2018 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” The extracellular matrix is crucial for controlling skin stem cell behavior and health.
