Assessment of the Induction and Morphogenic Potential of Human Hair Matrix Cells and Dermal Papilla Fibroblasts Ex Vivo
September 2019
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
dermal papilla fibroblasts hair matrix cells hair follicle morphogenesis human scalp skin ex vivo culture in vitro self-aggregated DP spheroids HF organoids regenerative medicine hair loss disorders wound healing DP cells HMx cells hair follicle formation scalp skin ex vivo in vitro DP spheroids hair follicle organoids hair loss
TLDR Human hair matrix cells and dermal papilla fibroblasts can form early hair follicle structures but don't produce hair shafts yet.
In 2019, a study was conducted to assess the potential of dermal papilla fibroblasts (DPs) and primary human adult hair matrix cells (HMx) in hair follicle (HF) morphogenesis. The researchers injected a mixture of labeled HMx and DP cells into human scalp skin and cultured it ex vivo. The cells proliferated for at least 3 days and were detectable in the dermis for 10 days. By day 6, HMx stopped proliferating but did not undergo apoptosis, indicating differentiation. The team also created in vitro self-aggregated DP spheroids that, when co-cultured with HMx, resulted in the formation of HF organoids. These organoids, when placed in human skin, showed HMx cell proliferation and differentiation. However, hair shaft production was absent, suggesting a longer culture period may be needed for fully formed HFs. This preliminary data suggested a potential new application for regenerative medicine technology in hair loss disorders and wound healing.
