TLDR Different types of resting melanocyte stem cells have unique characteristics and vary in their potential to become other cells.
The study used single-cell RNA sequencing to reveal significant molecular heterogeneity within quiescent melanocyte stem cells (qMcSCs) from the telogen skin of adult female C57BL/6J mice. Researchers identified distinct subpopulations based on gene expression patterns, anatomical location, and stem cell potential, using markers like CDH3 and CD34. They mapped 5545 qMcSCs into eight clusters, showing variability in gene expression and biological processes, with some clusters more primed for reactivation and proliferation. The study highlighted the complexity and compartmentalization within the qMcSC pool, providing a comprehensive transcriptomic landscape and suggesting that future research should consider subpopulation composition changes to understand their role in pigmentation maintenance and disease susceptibility.
41 citations
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April 2019 in “PLOS genetics” CD34+ and CD34- melanocyte stem cells have different regenerative abilities.
11 citations
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October 2018 in “The Journal of Dermatology” Decorin helps keep hair follicle stem cells and may prevent age-related hair loss.
169 citations
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February 2018 in “Immunity” Inactive stem cells in hair follicles and muscles can avoid detection by the immune system.
14 citations
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October 2017 in “Gene Expression Patterns” 196 citations
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March 2016 in “Nature Communications”
127 citations
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December 2007 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Mice hair growth patterns get more complex with age and can change with events like pregnancy or injury.
April 2023 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Blocking casein kinase 1 in skin cells can help melanocyte precursors move better, potentially helping with conditions like vitiligo or gray hair.
240 citations
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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
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November 2010 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research” Only skin melanocytes, not other types, can color hair in mice.
75 citations
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January 2009 in “International journal of trichology” Hair grays due to oxidative stress and fewer functioning melanocytes.