TLDR Stem cells can help other stem cells by producing supportive factors.
The document reviewed the role of stem cells in supporting other stem cells within shared niches, focusing on examples from the Drosophila testis, mammalian hair follicle, and mammalian bone marrow. It highlighted how one stem cell population produced molecular signals to maintain the self-renewal of another. For instance, in the Drosophila testis, cyst stem cells supported germline stem cells through Jak/STAT and BMP signaling. In mammalian hair follicles, hair follicle stem cells regulated melanocyte stem cells via Wnt and Endothelin1 signaling, ensuring coordinated hair growth and pigmentation. The study emphasized the interdependence of stem cell populations for tissue maintenance and regeneration, and suggested that mesenchymal stem cells might also support cancer stem cells. Future research aimed to enhance understanding and manipulation of these interactions for therapeutic purposes.
260 citations,
June 2011 in “Cell” Wnt signaling is crucial for pigmented hair regeneration by controlling stem cell activation and differentiation.
835 citations,
October 2008 in “Nature Genetics” Lgr5 is a marker for active, long-lasting stem cells in mouse hair follicles.
384 citations,
June 2005 in “Genes & development” β-catenin is essential for stem cell activation and proliferation in hair follicles.
450 citations,
January 2005 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Hair color is determined by melanin produced and transferred in hair follicles.
165 citations,
June 2007 in “European Journal of Cell Biology” Hair follicle stem cells are key for hair and skin regeneration, can be reprogrammed, and have potential therapeutic uses, but also carry a risk of cancer.
42 citations,
March 2008 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” Hormones and neuroendocrine factors control hair growth and color, and more research could lead to new hair treatment options.
Dermal stem cells help regenerate hair follicles and heal skin wounds.
1 citations,
March 2022 in “IntechOpen eBooks” Aging reduces skin stem cell function, leading to changes like hair loss and slower wound healing.
143 citations,
September 2008 in “Experimental gerontology” Skin aging is due to impaired stem cell mobilization or fewer responsive stem cells.
232 citations,
October 2015 in “International journal of molecular sciences” Stem cells are crucial for skin repair and new treatments for chronic wounds.
