Human Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cells (hEPI-NCSC): Characterization and Directed Differentiation into Osteocytes and Melanocytes
March 2011
in “
Stem Cell Reviews and Reports
”
human epidermal neural crest stem cells hEPI-NCSC hair follicles bulge multipotency self-renewal neural crest derivatives osteocytes melanocytes pluripotency genes autologous transplantation cell-based therapies regenerative medicine ex vivo expansion stem cells hair follicle bulge cell therapy regenerative treatment
TLDR Human epidermal neural crest stem cells can become bone and skin pigment cells, making them useful for therapies.
The study described the isolation, characterization, and ex-vivo expansion of human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC) from the bulge of hair follicles, highlighting their multipotency and self-renewal capabilities. These stem cells were shown to differentiate into various neural crest derivatives, including osteocytes and melanocytes, and expressed key pluripotency genes. hEPI-NCSC were noted for their accessibility, high yield, and potential for autologous transplantation, making them promising candidates for cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine. Their ability to be expanded ex vivo into millions of cells while maintaining multipotency and stem cell gene expression was emphasized as a significant advantage.
