Regulation of Melanocyte Stem Cells in the Pigmentation of Skin and Its Appendages: Biological Patterning and Therapeutic Potentials

January 2019 in “ Experimental Dermatology ”

Weiming Qiu, Cheng‐Ming Chuong, Mingxing Lei

melanocyte stem cells McSCs pigmentation MITF melanogenesis Wnt/ß-catenin TGF-ß epidermal melanocyte repopulation hair graying canities vitiligo gray hair

TLDR Understanding how melanocyte stem cells work could lead to new treatments for hair graying and skin pigmentation disorders.

The document from January 15, 2019, reviews the role of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) in skin and hair follicle pigmentation, their regulation, and potential therapeutic applications for pigmentation disorders. It highlights the importance of the transcription factor MITF in melanogenesis and the regulation of McSCs by various signaling pathways, including Wnt/ß-catenin and TGF-ß. The review also discusses the interaction between McSCs and other skin cells, the contribution of McSCs to epidermal melanocyte repopulation after injury, and the role of McSCs in hair graying. It suggests that a deeper understanding of McSC regulation could lead to treatments for conditions like canities and vitiligo, but acknowledges that there are still unanswered questions in the field.

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research Regulation of Melanocyte Stem Cell Behavior by the Niche Microenvironment

24 citations , April 2018 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research”

The environment around melanocyte stem cells is key for hair regeneration and color, with certain injuries affecting hair color and potential treatments for pigmentation disorders.

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1 citations , January 2018 in “Methods in molecular biology”

The research found ways to activate melanocyte stem cells for potential treatment of skin depigmentation conditions.

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The document concludes that understanding dermal papilla cells is key to improving hair regeneration treatments.

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A certain signaling pathway in mice, when increased, causes hair to gray by depleting the cells that give hair its color.

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44 citations , April 2017 in “Genes & development”

Scientists found cells in hair that are key for growth and color.

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214 citations , April 2017 in “Cell”

Different small areas within hair follicles send specific signals that control what type of cells stem cells become.

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117 citations , March 2017 in “Nature Communications”

Macrophages help regrow hair by activating stem cells using AKT/β-catenin and TNF.

research Paracrine Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 4 Inhibits Melanocyte Differentiation in Hair Follicle

8 citations , January 2017 in “Stem Cells International”

A protein called sFRP4 from skin cells stops the development of pigment-producing cells in hair.

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10 citations , September 2016 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

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45 citations , July 2016 in “Journal of Dermatological Science”

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway can activate melanocyte stem cells and may help regenerate hair follicles.

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59 citations , May 2016 in “Cell Reports”

EdnrB signaling helps melanocyte stem cells regenerate and could be targeted to treat pigmentation issues.

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42 citations , February 2016 in “Science”

The document concludes that both internal stem cell factors and external influences like the environment and hormones affect hair loss and aging, with potential treatments focusing on these areas.

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Nerve signals are crucial for hair follicle stem cells to become skin stem cells and help in wound healing.

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Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.

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40 citations , December 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

Different melanocyte types in hair follicles either survive or die during the catagen phase.

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105 citations , April 2005 in “Cell”

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research Casein Kinase 1 Inhibition in Keratinocytes Enhances the Migration of Melanocyte Precursors in the Hair Follicle via KitL/c-Kit Signaling Pathway

May 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.

research Melanocyte Stem Cells: A Melanocyte Reservoir in Hair Follicles for Hair and Skin Pigmentation

240 citations , May 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.

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10 citations , November 2010 in “Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research”

Only skin melanocytes, not other types, can color hair in mice.