TLDR Hair follicle cells can become fat and bone cells.
The study explored the potential of adult hair follicle dermal papilla (DP) and dermal sheath (DS) cells to differentiate into adipogenic and osteogenic lineages. Researchers demonstrated that these cells, when cultured, could be directed to form lipid and bone cells, indicating their potential as a source of stem cells for tissue engineering and cell therapy. Clonal DP and DS lines with extended proliferative capabilities were produced, showing varied capacities for differentiation. The study highlighted the hair follicle as a promising and accessible source of stem cells, with potential implications for understanding skin pathologies and the broader capabilities of dermal stem cells.
17 citations,
December 2001 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” The osteopontin gene is active in a specific part of rat hair follicles during a certain hair growth phase and might affect hair cycle and diseases.
66 citations,
August 2001 in “Experimental Dermatology” Human hair follicle cells can grow hair when put into mouse skin if they stay in contact with mouse cells.
1010 citations,
August 2000 in “Cell” Hair follicle stem cells can form both hair follicles and skin.
January 2022 in “Journal of St. Marianna University” Substances from human hair cells can affect hair loss-related genes, potentially leading to new treatments for baldness.
15 citations,
April 2014 in “Experimental Dermatology” Scientists developed a system to study human hair growth using skin cells, which could help understand hair development and improve skin substitutes for medical use.
321 citations,
December 2009 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Dermal cells are key in controlling hair growth and could potentially be used in hair loss treatments, but more research is needed to improve hair regeneration methods.
January 2003 in “Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery” Dermal papilla cells can help form hair follicles and produce hair.
66 citations,
August 2001 in “Experimental Dermatology” Human hair follicle cells can grow hair when put into mouse skin if they stay in contact with mouse cells.
57 citations,
November 1998 in “Wound Repair and Regeneration” Hair papilla cells can create and regenerate hair bulbs under the right conditions.