Stem Cell Dynamics in the Hair Follicle Niche

    Panteleimon Rompolas, Valentina Greco
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    TLDR Stem cells in the hair follicle are regulated by their surrounding environment, which is important for hair growth.
    The document from 2014 reviews the role of stem cells in hair follicle regeneration, focusing on the hair follicle niche's composition and its influence on stem cell behavior. It highlights the importance of the mesenchymal and epithelial niches, including dermal papilla cells, the bulge, and the hair germ, in regulating stem cell activation and fate during the hair cycle. The review notes that the hair germ, initially overshadowed by the bulge, is a crucial stem cell population for hair growth. Molecular signals like Wnt, BMP, and FGF18 are identified as key regulators of stem cell quiescence, proliferation, and differentiation. The document also emphasizes the role of other niche factors such as melanocyte stem cells, adipocytes, sensory neurons, the arrector pili muscle, and the immune system, as well as non-cellular components like the extracellular matrix. The study suggests that the microenvironment is a significant determinant of stem cell fate, with potential implications for medical applications. The research was supported by The New York Stem Cell Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
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