Mouse Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cell Cultures

The document detailed a procedure for preparing epidermal neural crest stem cell (EPI-NCSC) cultures from mouse whisker follicles. The process involved dissecting the whisker pad, isolating the bulge from the follicles, and culturing the bulges in collagen-coated plates. The cultures were maintained in a specific medium and environment to promote cell migration and proliferation. Within 3-4 days, migratory neural crest cells emerged from the bulge explants, while non-migratory cells, which were not the target stem cells, were discarded. The procedure emphasized careful disinfection and precise dissection to avoid contamination and damage to the follicles.