Skin-derived neural crest stem cells (NCSCs) are multipotent cells found in adult skin that retain the developmental potential of embryonic neural crest cells. They represent an accessible, autologous source for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.
Locations:
These cells primarily reside in specific niches:
- Hair Follicle Bulge: Home to epidermal NCSCs (EPI-NCSCs) which originate from the ectoderm.
- Dermis: Contains skin-derived precursors (SKPs), which are neural crest-related multipotent cells.
- Interfollicular Epidermis: NCSCs can also be derived from keratinocyte cultures of neonatal and adult skin.
Markers:
These cells typically express markers such as p75NTR, SOX10, SOX2, and Nestin.
Expansion:
They are often cultured as spheres (skin-spheres) in serum-free media supplemented with EGF and FGF2.
Skin-derived NCSCs can differentiate into various cell types both in vitro and in vivo:
- Neural Lineages: Functional sensory neurons, Schwann cells, and glial cells.
- Pigment Cells: Mature melanocytes.
- Mesenchymal Lineages: Smooth muscle cells, adipocytes (fat), and chondrocytes (cartilage)