Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated From Equine Hair Follicles Using A Method Of Air-Liquid Interface

This study introduces a less invasive method for isolating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from horses by using an air-liquid interface to extract cells from the hair follicle outer root sheath of equine forehead skin. The isolated cells, termed equine mesenchymal stem cells from the hair follicle outer root sheath (eMSCORS), demonstrated high proliferation rates and expressed MSC positive biomarkers (CD29, CD44, CD90) while lacking expression of negative markers (CD14, CD34, CD45). These cells also showed the ability to differentiate into chondrogenic, osteogenic, and adipogenic lineages, similar to MSCs derived from adipose tissue. The eMSCORS are proposed as a promising alternative source of stem cells for use in equine veterinary medicine due to their MSC-like profile, differentiation capabilities, and the non-invasive nature of their collection.