IPSC-Based Approach for Human Hair Follicle Regeneration

The document discusses the potential of using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for hair follicle (HF) regeneration as a promising treatment for hair loss. Current treatments for hair loss are limited and modestly effective, and the use of iPSCs could overcome these limitations. The paper outlines two main approaches to generate HFs from iPSCs: differentiating iPSCs into individual cell types and assembling them in a 3D environment, or inducing HFs from iPSCs through self-organization into 3D structures like organoids. The researchers successfully generated a bioengineered 3D integumentary organ system (IOS) from mouse iPSCs, which included skin, HFs, and other structures. When re-transplanted into mice, the iPSC-derived 3D IOS could engraft and generate a black hair shaft. However, challenges such as safety issues, the need for quality controls, and the immaturity of iPSC-derived cells need to be addressed before iPSCs can be used for clinical hair follicle regeneration.