Stem Cells in Dermal Wound Healing
January 2004
TLDR Stem cells help heal skin wounds by supporting tissue repair and regeneration.
The document discussed the process of dermal wound healing, highlighting the roles of various cells and factors. Initially, platelets activated by injury released TGF-β and PDGF, recruiting inflammatory cells and activating dermal cells. Neutrophils controlled infection, while monocyte/macrophages infiltrated the site, releasing cytokines, synthesizing ECM, and providing stem cells. Angiogenesis and granulation tissue formation involved resident endothelial and circulating progenitor cells. Scar formation involved fibroblasts and ECM scaffolding, with blood-derived stem cells contributing to matrix synthesis and cytokine production. Wound contraction was driven by mesenchymal cells differentiating into myofibroblasts, and reepithelialization involved keratinocyte migration, supported by collagen, fibronectin, vitronectin, and serum factors. Epidermal stem cells and migrating stem cells from hair follicles played crucial roles in supplying epidermal cells if needed.