Hair-Follicle-Associated Pluripotent (HAP) Stem Cells Can Extensively Differentiate to Tyrosine-Hydroxylase-Expressing Dopamine-Secreting Neurons

Cells, 2021 · DOI: 10.3390/cells10040864 · Published: April 10, 2021

Neurology Genetics Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells, found in hair follicles, can differentiate into various cell types, including neurons. This study explores their potential to become dopamine-producing neurons, which could be relevant for treating Parkinson's disease. The researchers cultured mouse HAP stem cells in a special neural-induction medium. This encouraged the stem cells to develop into dopaminergic neurons, which are cells that produce and release dopamine. The resulting dopaminergic neurons were analyzed to confirm their identity and function. The cells expressed tyrosine hydroxylase (an enzyme needed for dopamine production) and secreted dopamine.

Study Duration

45 days

Participants

Six weeks old C57BL/6J female mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Mouse HAP stem cells can efficiently differentiate into dopaminergic neurons when cultured in neural-induction medium.
2
The differentiated dopaminergic neurons express tyrosine hydroxylase, a key enzyme in dopamine synthesis, and secrete dopamine.
3
The dopaminergic neurons differentiated from HAP stem cells exhibit increased calcium levels when treated with ATP, indicating neuronal functionality.

Research Summary

This study demonstrates that hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells can be efficiently differentiated into dopaminergic neurons in vitro. These HAP stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons express key markers, such as tyrosine hydroxylase, and secrete dopamine, suggesting their potential for therapeutic applications in Parkinson's disease. The ease of accessibility and cryopreservation of HAP stem cells further enhances their potential as a readily available source for cell-based therapies targeting dopaminergic neuron replacement.

Practical Implications

Potential Parkinson's Therapy

HAP stem cells could provide a readily accessible source of dopaminergic neurons for transplantation in Parkinson's disease patients.

Reduced Need for Genetic Manipulation

Differentiation of HAP stem cells into dopaminergic neurons does not require genetic manipulation or added growth factors.

Accessibility and Storage

HAP stem cells are easily accessible and can be cryopreserved, making them a practical source for cell-based therapies.

Study Limitations

1
Future studies need to shorten the culture period and increase the differentiation rate of dopamine-producing neurons.
2
The study was performed in vitro, and further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HAP stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons in vivo.
3
Not specified

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