Obtaining and Characterizing Stem Cells from Hair Follicles of Canine Fetuses

The study focused on obtaining and characterizing stem cells from the hair follicles of canine fetuses at different gestational stages (30, 35, and 40 days). The cells were cultured and analyzed for stem cell markers such as OCT3/4, Nanog, and STRO-1, indicating pluripotency. The research found that these follicle-derived stem cells showed satisfactory growth and expansion using a DMEM medium supplemented with fetal bovine serum and antibiotics. The study concluded that the stem cells from canine fetal hair follicles expressed pluripotency markers, with no significant differences in cell proliferation or death markers across the gestational groups. The expression of the S100 protein was notably higher in the 40-day gestation group.