TLDR Improved understanding of stem cell mechanisms can enhance skin tissue engineering.
The 2008 study "Skin tissue engineering" explored the potential of stem cell biology and skin morphogenesis in enhancing the development of skin substitutes. The study emphasized the skin's capacity for repair and renewal due to the various types of stem cells it contains. However, it noted that existing skin substitutes used for extensive burn wounds do not fully restore the normal skin anatomy, lacking hair follicles and other glands. The potential of stem cells, including tissue-specific somatic stem cells and pluripotent cells, in tissue replacement was discussed, but the challenge lies in forming these cells and inducing proper signaling for skin morphogenesis. The study also highlighted the role of fibroblasts, dermal stem cells, and skin-derived precursor cells (SKPs) in maintaining skin homeostasis. The potential of skin gene therapy and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology for patient-specific tissue replacement was also mentioned. The study concluded that further understanding of the mechanisms that maintain stem cell identities and coordinate growth and differentiation is needed for improved skin tissue engineering.
75 citations,
August 2008 in “PLOS ONE” Wnt3a protein, when packed in liposomal vesicles, can stimulate hair growth and could potentially treat conditions like hair loss.
829 citations,
May 2007 in “Nature” Hair follicles can regrow in wounded adult mouse skin using a process like embryo development.
85 citations,
October 2006 in “Current opinion in cell biology” Feather growth and regeneration involve complex patterns, stem cells, and evolutionary insights.
291 citations,
October 2005 in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America” Adult stem cells from rat whisker follicles can regenerate hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
949 citations,
January 2001 in “Cell” Adult mouse skin contains stem cells that can create new hair, skin, and oil glands.
1010 citations,
August 2000 in “Cell” Hair follicle stem cells can form both hair follicles and skin.
92 citations,
April 1999 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Nonpalmoplantar skin cells can be made to express keratin 9 by interacting with palmoplantar fibroblasts.
202 citations,
August 2007 in “Biomaterials” Artificial skin development has challenges, but new materials and understanding cell behavior could improve tissue repair. Also, certain growth factors and hydrogel technology show promise for advanced skin replacement therapies.
232 citations,
October 2015 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Stem cells are crucial for skin repair and new treatments for chronic wounds.
43 citations,
January 2011 in “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” Stem cells have great potential for improving wound healing, but more research is needed to find the best types and ways to use them.
2 citations,
September 2023 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Special proteins are important for skin balance, healing, and aging, and affect skin stem cells.
18 citations,
December 2018 in “Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy” Hair follicle stem cells are promising for wound healing but require more research for safe clinical use.
