Formation of a Regular Neo-Epidermis by Cultured Human Outer Root Sheath Cells Grafted on Nude Mice

The study demonstrated that cultured human outer root sheath cells, when grafted onto nude mice, formed a stratified epithelium similar to normal epidermis. These cells expressed typical epidermal differentiation markers, such as suprabasal keratins 1 and 10, involucrin, filaggrin, and basement membrane components like collagen type IV and laminin. The findings suggested that outer root sheath cells could serve as a viable and advantageous source for skin replacement, offering a promising alternative to interfollicular keratinocytes in epidermal regeneration.