Stem Cells
Stem cells are the fundamental components of the organism, possessing the capacity to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types. They can be found in embryonic, foetal, and adult stages.
Thanks to their self-renewal, differentiation, and proliferation properties, they play a critical role in tissue regeneration and repair.
Features
Self-renewal:
They can maintain their stem cell properties by dividing for long periods.
Potency (differentiation capacity):
They can exhibit totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, or unipotent properties.
Tissue repair:
They play a role in the regeneration of damaged tissues.
Classification
Embryonic stem cells (ESCs):
They possess pluripotent properties and can differentiate into all cell types.
Adult stem cells (e.g. MSC):
They are multipotent and can differentiate into specific tissue types.
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC):
They are obtained by genetically reprogramming somatic cells.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells derived from connective tissue with multipotent properties. They can differentiate into cells such as bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, and connective tissue.
They also possess immunomodulatory properties, regulating the immune system, suppressing inflammation, and supporting regenerative processes.
They are one of the most commonly used types of stem cells in clinical applications.
Their main features are:
- Migration: Migration to damaged tissue
- Fusion: Merging with damaged cells
- Differentiation: Differentiation into the cell they merge with
- Immunosuppression: Reduction of immune system activation
- Immunomodulation: Regulation of the immune system
Hair Follicle-Derived Stem Cells
The hair follicle harbours a stem cell-rich microenvironment with both epidermal and dermal components.
The dermal papilla and dermal sheath regions of the follicle, in particular, contain cells that share phenotypic and functional similarities with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
While these cells are prominent in hair loss research, their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties make them suitable for evaluation across a broad clinical spectrum.
HF-MSCs express classic MSC markers (CD73, CD90, CD105 positive; CD34, CD45 negative) and can differentiate in osteogenic, chondrogenic, adipogenic, and neurogenic directions.
Furthermore, due to the neural crest-derived structures of the hair follicle, they also hold significant potential for nerve regeneration.
Quality Control Parameters (Hair Follicle-Derived Stem Cells)
- Serology Analysis
- Mycoplasma Analysis
- Culture Analysis
- Endotoxin Analysis
- Cell Count and Viability Analysis
- Surface Marker Analysis
- Gram Stain Analysis