TLDR Hair follicle stem cells can turn into many cell types and may help repair nerve damage and have other medical uses.
In the 2008 study, Robert M. Hoffman demonstrated that hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are a multipotent and accessible source of adult stem cells, capable of differentiating into a variety of cell types such as neurons, glia, keratinocytes, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes. These cells, identifiable by CD34 and nestin expression but not keratin 15, were able to form blood vessels and neural tissue in vivo and promote nerve regeneration and functional recovery when transplanted into severed peripheral nerves in nude mice, primarily differentiating into Schwann cells. This research suggests that HFSCs could be a valuable autologous stem cell source for peripheral nerve injury treatment and potentially for broader regenerative medicine applications.
829 citations,
May 2007 in “Nature” Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.
949 citations,
January 2001 in “Cell” Adult mouse skin contains stem cells that can create new hair, skin, and oil glands.
1010 citations,
August 2000 in “Cell” Hair follicle stem cells can form both hair follicles and skin.
11 citations,
September 2019 in “Dermatologic Surgery” A substance called Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor can protect certain hair follicle stem cells from damage caused by androgens, suggesting a new possible treatment for hair loss.
25 citations,
April 2021 in “The EMBO Journal” Hair follicle stem cells help maintain skin health and could improve skin replacement therapies.
14 citations,
April 2016 in “Cell Transplantation” Neural stem cell extract can safely promote hair growth in mice.
29 citations,
May 2020 in “npj Regenerative Medicine” Immune cells help regulate hair growth, and better understanding this can improve hair loss treatments.
September 2023 in “International Journal of Trichology” Adipose-derived stem cells may help with hair loss, but more research is needed.
