Sulfated Hyaluronan-Containing Artificial Extracellular Matrices Promote Proliferation of Keratinocytes and Melanotic Phenotype of Melanocytes from the Outer Root Sheath of Hair Follicles

The study aimed to improve cultivation conditions for human keratinocytes (HUKORS) and melanocytes (HUMORS) from the outer root sheath of human hair follicles to generate epidermal grafts. Researchers used artificial extracellular matrix coatings made of collagen and hyaluronan with varying sulfation degrees. The results indicated that these matrices, particularly those with high-sulfated hyaluronan, provided a favorable environment for keratinocyte proliferation and enhanced the melanotic phenotype in melanocytes. This was evidenced by increased gene expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor and other melanotic genes. The study suggested that sulfated hyaluronan might enhance the melanotic phenotype by binding to the CD44 receptor or concentrating signaling mediators. These findings highlighted the potential of collagen matrices with sulfated hyaluronan to significantly improve the development of outer root sheath-based epidermal grafts.