TLDR Epidermal stem cells don't use gap junctions to communicate.
The study found that epidermal stem cells in human neonatal foreskin and mouse hair follicles did not express connexin 43 (Cx43), a protein involved in gap junction communication. Approximately 10% of basal keratinocytes were Cx43-negative, which corresponded with the expected number of stem cells. These Cx43-negative cells were small and low in granularity, traits typical of stem cells, indicating limited gap junction communication. The findings suggested that Cx43 could be used as a negative marker to identify and isolate epidermal stem cells, potentially aiding in further research and clinical applications.
1010 citations,
August 2000 in “Cell” Hair follicle stem cells can form both hair follicles and skin.
14 citations,
June 2022 in “Stem cell reports” The study created hair-bearing skin models that lack a key protein for skin layer attachment, limiting their use for certain skin disease research.
43 citations,
July 2019 in “Stem Cells International” Advancements in creating skin grafts with biomaterials and stem cells are promising, but more research is needed for clinical application.
13 citations,
January 2021 in “Scientific Reports” Pannexin 3 helps skin and hair growth by controlling a protein called Epiprofin.
17 citations,
June 2011 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” The G60S Connexin43 mutation causes hair growth issues and poor hair quality in mice, similar to human ODDD patients.
June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Advancements in hair biology include new treatments and tools for hair growth and alopecia.
