title: Human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC)--characterization and directed differentiation into osteocytes and melanocytes.
abstract: Here we describe the isolation, characterisation and ex-vivo expansion of human epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC) and we provide protocols for their directed differentiation into osteocytes and melanocytes. hEPI-NCSC are neural crest-derived multipotent stem cells that persist into adulthood in the bulge of hair follicles. Multipotency and self-renewal were determined by in vitro clonal analyses. hEPI-NCSC generate all major neural crest derivatives, including bone/cartilage cells, neurons, Schwann cells, myofibroblasts and melanocytes. Furthermore, hEPI-NCSC express additional neural crest stem cell markers and global stem cell genes. To variable degrees and in a donor-dependent manner, hEPI-NCSC express the six essential pluripotency genes C-MYC, KLF4, SOX2, LIN28, OCT-4/POU5F1 and NANOG. hEPI-NCSC can be expanded ex vivo into millions of stem cells that remain mulitpotent and continue to express stem cell genes. The novelty of hEPI-NCSC lies in the combination of their highly desirable traits. hEPI-NCSC are embryonic remnants in a postnatal location, the bulge of hair follicles. Therefore they are readily accessible in the hairy skin by minimal invasive procedure. hEPI-NCSC are multipotent somatic stem cells that can be isolated reproducibly and with high yield. By taking advantage of their migratory ability, hEPI-NCSC can be isolated as a highly pure population of stem cells. hEPI-NCSC can undergo robust ex vivo expansion and directed differentiation. As somatic stem cells, hEPI-NCSC are conducive to autologous transplantation, which avoids graft rejection. Together, these traits make hEPI-NCSC novel and attractive candidates for future cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine.
authors: Institute of Genetic Medicine, and North East England Stem Cell Institute, Centre for Life, Newcastle University, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK.
authors: Oliver
authors: O
authors: Clewes
authors: Alla
authors: A
authors: Narytnyk
authors: Kevin R
authors: KR
authors: Gillinder
authors: Andrew D
authors: AD
authors: Loughney
authors: Alison P
authors: AP
authors: Murdoch
authors: Maya
authors: M
authors: Sieber-Blum
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002465:Cell Movement; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D015925:Cryopreservation; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D000090062:Kruppel-Like Factor 4; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D009432:Neural Crest / Q000166:cytology*; D010011:Osteocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000166:cytology
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; C000715467:KLF4 protein, human; D000090062:Kruppel-Like Factor 4