Follicle cells – for wound treatment and hair growth

Swedish and Dutch scientists working under the leadership of Hans Clevers from the University of Utrecht (the Netherlands) have identified stem cells of a previously unknown type localized in hair follicles and capable of giving rise to all types of epidermal cells.

The authors of the work, the results of which were published in the journal Science on March 12 in the article "Lgr6 Marks Stem Cells in the Hair Follicle That Generate All Cell Lines of the Skin", believe that the data they obtained will help in the development of new methods of wound healing, the creation of skin grafts, as well as new cosmetic procedures.

The upper layer of the skin – the epidermis – has amazing recovery abilities. However, the localization of the most primitive stem cells that give rise to the cells of the epidermis has long remained a mystery to scientists.

Some experts assumed that these primitive stem cells are localized in the upper part of the hair follicle, near the exit point of the hair to the surface of the skin. Others, including the authors of the work, were inclined to believe that the cherished cells are located in the deep layers of the follicle, at the very base of the hair shaft. Some researchers reject both hypotheses and claim that skin cells are capable of self-renewal.

The results obtained by the authors of the work showed that the "progenitors" of all epidermal cells are cells localized inside hair follicles, the distinctive feature of which is the expression of the Lgr6 gene.

In experiments on mice, the researchers demonstrated the ability of Lgr6+ cells to repair skin damage by forming structures of all three types: sebaceous glands, hair follicles and interfollicular epidermis. However, as the animals aged, the ability of cells to give rise to hair follicle cells gradually faded.

The data obtained shed new light on the mechanisms of skin aging and changes in the hairline that occur as a person ages. Experts believe that the study of these mechanisms in the future will help to increase the effectiveness of not only methods of healing skin lesions, but also many cosmetic procedures, including skin rejuvenation and treatment of baldness.

Evgeniya Ryabtseva
Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of HealthDay: Scientists Find Stem Cells in Hair That Can Become Skin.

15.03.2010