Dissecting the bulge in hair regeneration

J Clin Invest. 2012 Feb;122(2):448-54. doi: 10.1172/JCI57414. Epub 2012 Feb 1.

Abstract

The adult hair follicle houses stem cells that govern the cyclical growth and differentiation of multiple cell types that collectively produce a pigmented hair. Recent studies have revealed that hair follicle stem cells are heterogeneous and dynamic throughout the hair cycle. Moreover, interactions between heterologous stem cells, including both epithelial and melanocyte stem cells, within the hair follicle are just now being explored. This review will describe how recent findings have expanded our understanding of the development, organization, and regeneration of hair follicle stem cells. At a basic level, this review is intended to help construct a reference point to integrate the surge of studies on the molecular mechanisms that regulate these cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hair Follicle / cytology*
  • Hair Follicle / embryology*
  • Hair Follicle / growth & development*
  • Humans
  • Melanocytes / cytology
  • Melanocytes / physiology
  • Regeneration / physiology*
  • Stem Cell Niche
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / physiology