Nestin-Positive Hair Follicle Pluripotent Stem Cells Can Promote Regeneration of Impinged Peripheral Nerve Injury

The study demonstrated that nestin-positive, keratin 15-negative multipotent hair follicle stem cells, located above the hair follicle bulge, could regenerate impinged sciatic nerve injuries in ICR nude mice. These stem cells were transplanted around the damaged sciatic nerve, where they differentiated into glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive Schwann cells, aiding in the recovery of existing axons and functional restoration of the nerve. This research suggested that hair follicle pluripotent stem cells could serve as an accessible, autologous source for nerve regeneration therapies, particularly for nerves compressed by bony or hard surfaces.