OCT4 Maintains Self-Renewal and Reverses Senescence in Human Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells Through the Downregulation of p21 by DNA Methyltransferases

The study found that OCT4 played a crucial role in maintaining self-renewal and reversing senescence in human hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells (hHFMSCs) by downregulating the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 through DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs). This process enhanced the proliferative capacity and differentiation potential of hHFMSCs, suggesting that OCT4 could be vital for regenerative medicine applications, particularly in personalized cell therapy, by improving the cells' proliferation and stemness properties. The findings highlighted the importance of p21 downregulation in maintaining stem cell properties and the potential of OCT4 in enhancing the regenerative potential of hHFMSCs.