The Developmental and Molecular Requirements for Ensuring That Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Hair Follicle Bulge Stem Cells Have Acquired Competence for Hair Follicle Generation Following Transplantation

The study demonstrated that human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) could be differentiated into hair follicle bulge stem cells (HFBSCs) capable of generating hair follicles (HFs) in vivo. The optimal differentiation stage for transplantation was identified as Days 16-18, where hiPSCs expressed key markers such as integrins α6 and β1, CD200, keratin 18, transcription factor P63, and keratins 15 and 19. Cells at this stage had lost pluripotency but had not yet differentiated into keratinocytes, ensuring their competence for HF generation. This protocol could potentially be used to isolate HF-generating cells and identify trichogenic drugs, offering a promising approach for treating various forms of alopecia.