Implanted hair follicle stem cells form Schwann cells that support repair of severed peripheral nerves

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0508440102
• Publication Date: 2005-11-29T01:34:10Z
• Authors: Yasuyuki Amoh; Lingna Li; Raul Campillo; Katsumasa Kawahara; Kensei Katsuoka; Sheldon Penman; Robert M. Hoffman
• Keywords: Nestin; Stem cell marker

The hair follicle bulge area is an abundant, easily accessible source of actively growing, pluripotent adult stem cells. Nestin, a protein marker for neural cells, also expressed in cells and their immediate, differentiated progeny. fluorescent GFP, whose expression driven by the nestin regulatory element transgenic mice, served to mark cell fate. nestin-driven GFP are positive CD34 but negative keratinocyte keratin 15, suggesting relatively undifferentiated state. These can differentiate into neurons, glia, keratinocytes, smooth muscle melanocytes vitro . In vivo studies show blood vessels tissue after transplantation subcutis nude mice. Equivalent derived from mice with β-actin-driven implanted gap region severed sciatic nerve greatly enhance rate regeneration restoration function. transdifferentiate largely Schwann which known support neuron regrowth. Function rejoined was measured contraction gastrocnemius upon electrical stimulation. After severing tibial subsequent walking print length intermediate toe spread significantly recovered, indicating that transplanted recovered ability walk normally. results suggest provide important, accessible, autologous regenerative medicine.