Scientists in Japan use stem cells to regenerate hair

A team of researchers from the Tokyo University of Science, Showa University School of Dentistry and Kitasato University School of Medicine in Japan has applied organ replacement regenerative tissue therapy concepts to bioengineer hair follicles from adult epithelial stem cells and dermal papilla cells. The team has demonstrated that these hair follicles can regenerate and are fully functional for hair growth. The results show restored hair cycles and piloerection through the rearrangement of follicular stem cells and their niches. The bioengineered hair follicle also developed the correct structures and formed proper connections with surrounding host tissues. This study reveals potential application of follicular stem cells derived from adult tissues.