Research from Human Cell Atlas reported in the Cells4 Life blog in October 2024, has demonstrated stem cells’ significant role in skin and hair development, potentially leading to novel anti-aging treatments.
This study’s objective was to determine how many genetic instructions human cells possess, and how skin grows. By understanding these mechanisms, scientists believe they can develop artificial skin for treatments involving burns, wounds, and age-related degeneration.
A key focus of the study was the role of immune cells, particularly macrophages, in skin development during pregnancy. While macrophages are primarily known for their role in the immune system, researchers discovered they are important in skin formation processes, including hair follicle development, scarless wound healing, and blood vessel formation.
Researchers compared prenatal and adult skin with a lab-grown skin model derived from stem cells to verify these findings. This organoid successfully copied many aspects of skin and hair follicle development. More specifically, the addition of macrophages led to the creation of blood vessel networks, highlighting the significant role of immune cells in skin development.
These insights into stem cell-derived models of human skin open up multiple therapeutic applications. They could help in understanding conditions affecting skin and hair and provide more accurate testing materials for future treatments.
Also, the study explored the formation of hair follicles during prenatal development. Researchers identified specific cells in human prenatal skin that develop into structures necessary for hair growth, such as the dermal condensate and dermal papilla.
(image credit – Stem Cell Treatment Center of Hawaii)