title: Stem cell dynamics in the hair follicle niche.
abstract: Hair follicles are appendages of the mammalian skin that have the ability to periodically and stereotypically regenerate in order to continuously produce new hair over our lifetime. The ability of the hair follicle to regenerate is due to the presence of stem cells that along with other cell populations and non-cellular components, including molecular signals and extracellular material, make up a niche microenvironment. Mounting evidence suggests that the niche is critical for regulating stem cell behavior and thus the process of regeneration. Here, we review the literature concerning past and current studies that have utilized mouse genetic models, combined with other approaches to dissect the molecular and cellular composition of the hair follicle niche. We also discuss our current understanding of how stem cells operate within the niche during the process of tissue regeneration and the factors that regulate their behavior.
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics, Department of Dermatology, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. Electronic address: panteleimon.rompolas@yale.edu.
authors.forename: Panteleimon
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rompolas
authors.affiliation: Department of Genetics, Department of Dermatology, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. Electronic address: valentina.greco@yale.edu.
authors.forename: Valentina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Greco
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D012038:Regeneration / Q000502:physiology; D055153:Stem Cell Niche / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Fate; Hair follicle; Niche; Regeneration; Stem cells