Nestin-expressing multipotent hair follicle stem cells for regenerative medicine

Nestin-expressing hair follicle stem cells of the mouse can differentiate into neurons, glia, keratinocytes, smooth muscle cells and melanocytes in vitro. Nestin-expressing hair follicle stem cells enhanced the rate of nerve regeneration and the restoration of nerve function in mouse models. The nestin-expressing hair follicle stem cells transdifferentiate largely into Schwann cells when implanted in severed nerves or injured spinal cord, which may enhance neuron regrowth. The bulge area of the follicle is the source of the nestin-expressing stem cells of the hair follicle, which migrate from the bulge area to the dermal papilla as well as into the surrounding skin tissues during wound healing. Nestin-expressing stem cells can also be readily isolated from the human scalp, thereby providing an accessible, autologous and safe source of stem cells for potential clinical use.