Hair-Follicle-Associated Pluripotent Stem Cells

Hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells, identified in the upper hair follicle, were found to differentiate into various cell types, including neurons and keratinocytes. These cells demonstrated potential in repairing severed sciatic nerves and spinal cords in both mice and humans, primarily transforming into Schwann cells to restore function. HAP stem cells from the bulge area (BA) and dermal papilla (DP) showed promise for spinal cord regeneration, with migration from the BA to the DP suggesting the BA as a source of HAP stem cells. In vitro studies with mouse whiskers indicated that HAP stem cells could grow axons, highlighting their role in follicle sensory nerve growth. These cells could be cryopreserved, allowing for personal stem cell banking for future nerve or spinal cord repair, with clinical studies being planned.