Convergent Genesis of an Adult Neural Crest-Like Dermal Stem Cell from Distinct Developmental Origins

The study investigated the origins of skin-derived precursors (SKPs), multipotent dermal stem cells within hair follicles, to determine if they originate from the neural crest or multiple developmental origins. Using lineage tracing in mice, it was found that facial SKPs derive from the neural crest, while dorsal trunk SKPs originate from somites. Despite these different origins, SKPs from both locations were functionally similar, including their ability to differentiate into Schwann cells. Gene expression analysis confirmed high similarity among SKPs from different regions, though some gene expression differences reflected their developmental origins. This indicated that neural crest-like dermal precursors could arise from non-neural crest origins, suggesting broader implications for neuroendocrine cells in the body.