More on Stem Cells and Hair Production

Just published last week, there is a great article on another piece of insight into the stem cell research, perhaps eventually leading to cures for a variety of diseases. Hair stem cells have formed the backbone of this research. Although hair loss is not a disease, it still may have a role in dealing with the balding phenomenon.

From the University of Southern California summary article:

“Our research shows that the formation of new tissues or organs from stem cells—such as the formation of new hairs—can be more robust if it occurs in a permissive macro-environment,” said Maksim Plikus, a post-doctoral fellow and the first author of the study. “I hope that our research will draw more attention to the hair follicle as the model for physiological regeneration in mammals, and as an abundant source of adult stem cells for the purposes of stem cell therapy.”

For the summary and complete articles, please see:

• Summary at USC — USC study in Nature sheds light on stem cell signaling
• Complete article at Nature science journal — Cyclic dermal BMP signalling regulates stem cell activation during hair regeneration