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Human Epidermal Neural Crest Stem Cells (hEPI‐NCSC)
Author(s) -
SieberBlum Maya,
Clewes Oliver,
Loughney Andrew,
Murdoch Alison
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.24.1_supplement.175.1
Subject(s) - stem cell , sox2 , biology , neural crest , microbiology and biotechnology , embryonic stem cell , neural stem cell , pathology , immunology , medicine , genetics , embryo , gene
EPI‐NCSC originate from the embryonic neural crest and reside in a postnatal location, the bulge of hair follicles. Here we report the characterization and directed differentiation of hEPI‐NCSC. Like mouse EPI‐NCSC, hEPI‐NCSC emigrate from bulge explants of human hair follicles. They are multipotent and express the neural crest stem cell signature genes, which we have determined for mouse EPI‐NCSC (Hu YF et al, 2006). hEPI‐NCSC can give rise to all major neural crest derivatives, including neurons, Schwann cells, bone/cartilage cells, smooth muscle cells, and melanoyctes. Like mouse EPI‐NCSC, hEPI‐NCSC express the iPS genes SOX2, MYC, KLF4, LIN28 at levels similar to human embryonic stem cells (hESC; H9 line). Unlike mouse EPI‐NCSC, hEPI‐NCSC also express Nanog at levels similar to hESC as determined by real‐time PCR. hEPI‐NCSC can be expanded ex‐vivo into millions of stem cells. They can undergo directed differentiation into several cell types, including dopaminergic neurons. In summary, hEPI‐NCSC are promising candidates for future cell‐based therapy and regenerative medicine. Supported by grant 22358 from the Medical Research Council (MSB) and grant K‐0903 from the Parkinson's Disease Society (MSB).