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Stem Cell Research; ESCs differentiate into hair follicle-like structures as well as glandular struc |
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Saturday, 25 February 2006 |
2006 FEB 25 - (NewsRx.com) -- Embryonic stem cells differentiate into hair follicle-like structures as well as glandular structures.
"Stem cells in healthy epidermis have the capacity to produce structures, such as interfollicular epidermis, hair follicle, and sebaceous glands. Embryonic stem (ES) cells can be induced to differentiate into epidermal stem cells in vitro.
"These ESCs (epidermal or epidermoid stem cells derived from ES cells) have the potential to be an ideal replacement of those stem cells destroyed in severe injury, such as in deep and extensive burns," researchers in the People's Republic of China report.
According to the authors, "The aim of this study was to follow the fate of murine ESCs which were seeded in a syngeneic dermal equivalent and implanted into syngeneic recipient mice subcutaneously. ES cells were induced in vitro to differentiate into ESCs.
"Stained with a fluorescent dye Hoechst 33342, these ESCs were seeded into a fibroblast-collagen-gelatin sponge complex, functioning as a dermal equivalent model, and then implanted subcutaneously into 129/J mice, which were syngeneic to these stem cells."
"These ESCs were clearly visible in the implant by fluorescent microscopy 3 weeks or longer after implantation. These cells remained viable, differentiating into hair follicle-like structures, glandular structures, and gave rise to additional structures resembling native dermis.
"A number of markers were expressed in the differentiated structures, including CD29 (integrin beta 1 subunit) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18). No apparent rejection or severe side effects were observed at least during the 10 weeks following implantation," Y. Lin and colleagues at Zhongshan University in Guangzhou wrote.
Scientists concluded, "Now that ESCs can survive in vivo in this dermal equivalent model and differentiate into hair follicle-like structures as well as glandular structures, it is feasible to use these cells as seed cells in studies to fabricate dermal equivalents that have the potential to develop dermal appendages.
"Now that ESCs can survive in vivo in this dermal equivalent model and differentiate into hair follicle-like structures as well as glandular structures, it is feasible to use these cells as seed cells in studies to fabricate dermal equivalents that have the potential to develop dermal appendages."
Lin and colleagues published their study in Burns (Following the fate of murine epidermal stem cells in a syngeneic dermal equivalent in vivo. Burns Incl Therm Inj, 2005;31(8):1007-1012).
For additional information, contact Y. Lin, Zhongshan University, College Med, Dept. Histol & Embryology, Guangzhou 510080, People's Republic of China.
Publisher contact information for the journal Burns is: Elsevier Science Ltd., the Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, Oxon, England.
Keywords: Guangzhou, People's Republic of China, Embryonic Stem Cells, Epidermal Stem Cells, Dermal Appendages, Follicle-Like Structure.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 22 March 2006 )
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