The document reviewed the role of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) in skin pigmentation and their potential in disease modeling and regenerative medicine. It discussed how McSCs, originating from neural crest cells, continuously repopulated functional melanocytes in adult skin. Alterations in McSCs were linked to skin abnormalities and diseases. Most knowledge about McSCs came from studies on mouse hair follicles, but anatomical differences suggested potential distinctions between mouse and human McSCs. Advances in human pluripotent stem cell research offered tools to obtain human McSCs and melanocytes, enhancing research and regenerative applications. The review emphasized recent progress in understanding melanocyte development and McSC regulation.
237 citations,
June 2013 in “Nature Medicine” A protein from certain immune cells is key for new hair growth after skin injury in mice.
286 citations,
June 2012 in “Nature Immunology” Hair follicles help attract immune cells to the skin during stress.
260 citations,
June 2011 in “Cell” Wnt signaling is crucial for pigmented hair regeneration by controlling stem cell activation and differentiation.
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164 citations,
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240 citations,
April 2011 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” Melanocyte stem cells in hair follicles are key for hair color and could help treat greying and pigment disorders.
10 citations,
November 2010 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” Only skin melanocytes, not other types, can color hair in mice.
75 citations,
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