From hair to heart: nestin-expressing hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells differentiate to beating cardiac muscle cells

Cell Cycle, 2015 · DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15384101.2015.1042633 · Published: July 15, 2015

Cardiovascular Science Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

This study explores the potential of hair follicle stem cells, specifically hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells, to differentiate into heart muscle cells. Researchers found that HAP stem cells, which express the neural stem-cell marker nestin, can differentiate into beating cardiac muscle cells in vitro. The upper part of the hair follicle showed the greatest potential for differentiation into cardiac muscle cells compared to the middle and lower parts.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

C57BL/6 mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
HAP stem cells from mouse vibrissa hair follicles can differentiate into beating cardiac muscle cells.
2
The upper part of the hair follicle exhibits the highest differentiation potential into cardiac muscle cells compared to the middle and lower parts.
3
The beating rate of cardiac muscle cells differentiated from hair follicles can be modulated by isoproterenol (increased) and propranolol (decreased).

Research Summary

The study demonstrates that nestin-expressing HAP stem cells, located in the hair follicle, can differentiate into beating cardiac muscle cells in vitro. The upper part of the hair follicle shows the greatest potential for cardiac muscle cell differentiation, and these cells respond to pharmacological stimulation. HAP stem cells, being autologous, easily accessible, and cryopreservable, hold promise for regenerative medicine applications for heart disease.

Practical Implications

Regenerative Medicine

HAP stem cells could provide a readily available source of autologous cells for cardiac repair.

Drug Development

The differentiated cardiac muscle cells can be used for in vitro drug testing.

Basic Research

Further understanding of the differentiation pathways of HAP stem cells into cardiac cells may reveal novel therapeutic targets.

Study Limitations

1
The study was conducted in vitro and may not fully reflect in vivo conditions.
2
The mechanisms underlying the differentiation of HAP stem cells into cardiac muscle cells are not fully elucidated.
3
Long-term stability and functionality of the differentiated cardiac muscle cells were not assessed.

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