TLDR ES cells can be turned into hair follicle cells in a lab setting.
The study from 2003 explored the differentiation of embryonic stem (ES) cells into hair follicle lineage in vitro, addressing the lack of understanding of the regulatory steps in hair follicle formation. Despite the known processes of cell commitment, programmed cell death, and mesenchymal-epithelial interactions, the identity of stem cells and the signals for differentiation remained unclear. The researchers developed a culture system using the R1 ES cell line, enabling ES cells to differentiate into mature hair follicle cells expressing hair keratin. This system was anticipated to be crucial for understanding hair follicle formation mechanisms and developing hair growth and regeneration therapies.
28 citations
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January 1997 in “Elsevier eBooks”
50 citations
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July 2008 in “British Journal of Dermatology” 138 citations
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March 2007 in “Experimental cell research” Only a few hair-specific keratins are linked to inherited hair disorders.
276 citations
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January 2005 in “International review of cytology” The document reviewed the genomic organization and expression characteristics of human hair keratin genes, highlighting their role in hair follicle biology and hereditary disorders. It noted that research on human hair keratins lagged behind studies in other species. The review discussed the complex regulatory mechanisms of hair keratin expression and the differentiation of hair follicle compartments. It also addressed keratin-related pathologies, such as epidermolysis bullosa simplex and pachyonychia congenita, which affect the outer root sheath and nail beds, respectively. The study emphasized the need for further research to understand the molecular mechanisms governing hair follicle differentiation and keratin expression.
199 citations
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January 2004 in “The International Journal of Developmental Biology” Hair follicle growth and development are controlled by specific genes and molecular signals.
29 citations
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April 2003 in “Experimental dermatology” Human hair follicles grown in vitro maintain normal keratin patterns and structure.
