Phenotypic indications that human sweat glands are a rich source of nestin-positive stem cell populations

Ontogeny of Skin Stem Cells and Molecular Underpinnings

Skin stem cells (SCs) play a pivotal role in supporting tissue homeostasis. Several types of SCs are responsible for maintaining and regenerating skin tissue. These include bulge SCs and others residing in the interfollicular epidermis, infundibulum, isthmus, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. The emergence of skin SCs commences during embryogenesis, where multipotent SCs arise from various precursor populations. These early events set the foundation for the diverse pool of SCs that will reside in the adult skin, ready to respond to tissue repair and regeneration demands. A network of molecular cues regulates skin SC behavior, balancing quiescence, self-renewal, and differentiation. The disruption of this delicate equilibrium can lead to SC exhaustion, impaired wound healing, and pathological conditions such as skin cancer. The present review explores the intricate mechanisms governing the development, activation, and differentiation of skin SCs, shedding light on the molecular signaling pathways that drive their fate decisions and skin homeostasis. Unraveling the complexities of these molecular drivers not only enhances our fundamental knowledge of skin biology but also holds promise for developing novel strategies to modulate skin SC fate for regenerative medicine applications, ultimately benefiting patients with skin disorders and injuries.

Requisite instruments for the establishment of three-dimensional epidermal human skin equivalents-A methods review

Human skin equivalents (HSEs) are three-dimensional skin organ culture models raised in vitro. This review gives an overview of common techniques for setting up HSEs. The HSE consists of an artificial dermis and epidermis. 3T3-J2 murine fibroblasts, purchased human fibroblasts or freshly isolated and cultured fibroblasts, together with other components, for example, collagen type I, are used to build the scaffold. Freshly isolated and cultured keratinocytes are seeded on top. It is possible to add other cell types, for example, melanocytes, to the HSE-depending on the research question. After several days and further steps, the 3D skin can be harvested. Additionally, we show possible markers and techniques for evaluation of artificial skin. Furthermore, we provide a comparison of HSEs to human skin organ culture, a model which employs human donor skin. We outline advantages and limitations of both models and discuss future perspectives in using HSEs.

Heterogeneity of Sweat Gland Stem Cells

Sweat glands play an important role in skin physiology and are an integral part of the natural skin barrier. In order to maintain functionality throughout life, sweat glands make use of several types of stem cells. This chapter focuses on the classification of different types of stem cells found in the sweat gland and their physiological roles. First, sweat gland formation during skin maturation is addressed in order to give an overview of sweat gland origin and formation in vivo. Then, different kinds of adult sweat gland stem cells are introduced and classified between different potency levels and corresponding physiological roles. Finally, the importance of these cell sources for future developments, including applications in wound healing and cosmetics research, is discussed.

Nestin+ progenitor cells isolated from adult human sweat gland stroma promote reepithelialisation and may stimulate angiogenesis in wounded human skin ex vivo

The combination of an aging population and an increasing prevalence of diseases associated with impaired-wound healing, including obesity, peripheral vascular disease and diabetes, is likely to result in a dramatic increase in the incidence and prevalence of chronic skin wounds. Indeed, systemic reviews are now not only trying to establish both the prevalence and the often under-estimated socio-economic costs of chronic skin wounds, but most importantly are addressing the impact that chronic wounds have on quality of life. Given the clear need for novel approaches to the management of chronic skin ulceration, ideally developed and tested in the human system in a manner that can be rapidly translated into clinical practice, we examined the effects of multipotent primary human nestin⁺ progenitor cells on human wound healing in an ex vivo model. Human sweat gland-derived nestin⁺ cells demonstrated the capacity to significantly promote two key wound healing parameters, i.e., both reepithelialisation and angiogenesis in experimentally wounded, organ-cultured human skin. The current data further support the use of full-thickness human skin wound-healing models ex vivo to pre-clinically test wound healing-promoting candidate agents. Whilst larger studies are required to substantiate a firm “proof-of-concept,” our preliminary studies encourage further efforts to systemically determine the potential of cell-based regenerative medicine strategies in general, and the use of skin appendage-associated human nestin⁺ cells in particular, as novel treatment strategies for chronic skin ulceration.

Amniotic membrane and its epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells as an appropriate source for skin tissue engineering and regenerative medicine

One of the main goals of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is to develop skin substitutes for treating deep dermal and full thickness wounds. In this regard, both scaffold and cell source have a fundamental role to achieve exactly the same histological and physiological analog of skin. Amnion epithelial and mesenchymal cells possess the characteristics of pluripotent stem cells which have the capability to differentiate into all three germ layers and can be obtained without any ethical concern. Amniotic cells also produce different growth factors, angio-modulatory cytokines, anti-bacterial peptides and a wide range of anti-inflammatory agents which eventually cause acceleration in wound healing. In addition, amniotic membrane matrix exhibits characteristics of an ideal scaffold and skin substitute through various types of extracellular proteins such as collagens, laminins and fibronectins which serve as an anchor for cell attachment and proliferation, a bed for cell delivery and a reservoir of drugs and growth factors involved in wound healing process. Recently, isolation of amniotic cells exosomes, surface modification and cross-linking approaches, construction of amnion based nanocomposites and impregnation of amnion with nanoparticles, construction of amnion hydrogel and micronizing process promoted its properties for tissue engineering. In this manuscript, the recent progress was reviewed which approve that amnion-derived cells and matrix have potential to be involved in skin substitutes; an enriched cell containing scaffold which has a great capability to be translated into the clinic.

Dual-component collagenous peptide/reactive oligomer hydrogels as potential nerve guidance materials - from characterization to functionalization

Toward a new generation of improved nerve guidance conduits (NGCs), novel biomaterials are required to address pressing clinical shortcomings in peripheral nerve regeneration (PNR) and to promote biological performance. A dual-component hydrogel system formed by cross-linking reaction between maleic anhydride groups in an oligomeric building block for cross-linking of free amine functionalities in partially hydrolyzed collagen is formulated for continuous processing and NGC fabrication. The influence of the gelation base is optimized for processing from a double syringe delivery system with a static mixer. A hydrophilic low-concentrated base was introduced to control network formation and to utilize highly reactive macromers for gelation. Cross-linking extent and building block conversion were improved and homogenous monoliths were fabricated. Chemically derivatized hydrogels were obtained by conversion of a fraction of anhydride groups in the oligomeric precursor with monovalent primary amine-containing grafting molecules prior to gelation. Network stability in functionalized hydrogels was maintained and cationic moieties were implement to the gel that promoted in vitro cell attachment and spreading irrespective of mechanical stiffness. A molding strategy was introduced that allowed for fabrication of flexible tubular conduits in tunable dimensions and with chemically patterned structures. These hydrogel-based conduits hold promise for the next generation NGCs with integrated chemical cues for PNR.

A novel organotypic 3D sweat gland model with physiological functionality

Dysregulated human eccrine sweat glands can negatively impact the quality-of-life of people suffering from disorders like hyperhidrosis. Inability of sweating can even result in serious health effects in humans affected by anhidrosis. The underlying mechanisms must be elucidated and a reliable in vitro test system for drug screening must be developed. Here we describe a novel organotypic three-dimensional (3D) sweat gland model made of primary human eccrine sweat gland cells. Initial experiments revealed that eccrine sweat gland cells in a two-dimensional (2D) culture lose typical physiological markers. To resemble the in vivo situation as close as possible, we applied the hanging drop cultivation technology regaining most of the markers when cultured in its natural spherical environment. To compare the organotypic 3D sweat gland model versus human sweat glands in vivo, we compared markers relevant for the eccrine sweat gland using transcriptomic and proteomic analysis. Comparing the marker profile, a high in vitro-in vivo correlation was shown. Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 5 (CEACAM5), muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (CHRM3), Na⁺-K⁺-Cl^- cotransporter 1 (NKCC1), calcium-activated chloride channel anoctamin-1 (ANO1/TMEM16A), and aquaporin-5 (AQP5) are found at significant expression levels in the 3D model. Moreover, cholinergic stimulation with acetylcholine or pilocarpine leads to calcium influx monitored in a calcium flux assay. Cholinergic stimulation cannot be achieved with the sweat gland cell line NCL-SG3 used as a sweat gland model system. Our results show clear benefits of the organotypic 3D sweat gland model versus 2D cultures in terms of the expression of essential eccrine sweat gland key regulators and in the physiological response to stimulation. Taken together, this novel organotypic 3D sweat gland model shows a good in vitro-in vivo correlation and is an appropriate alternative for screening of potential bioactives regulating the sweat mechanism.

BrdU-label-retaining cells in rat eccrine sweat glands over time

Cell proliferation and turnover are fueled by stem cells. In a previous study, we demonstrated that rat eccrine sweat glands contained abundant bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-label-retaining cells (LRCs). However, morphological observations showed that eccrine sweat glands usually show little or no signs of homeostatic change. In this study, we account for why the homeostatic change is rare in eccrine sweat glands based on cytokinetic changes in BrdU-LRC turnover, and also determine the BrdU-labeled cell type. Thirty-six newborn SD rats, were injected intraperitoneally with 50mg/kg BrdU twice daily at a 2h interval for 4 consecutive days. After a chase period of 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 32 weeks, rats were euthanized, and the hind footpads were removed and processed for BrdU immunostaining, and BrdU/α-SMA and BrdU/K14 double-immunostaining. BrdU-LRCs were observed in the ducts, secretory coils and mesenchymal cells at all survival time points. The percentage of BrdU(+) cells in rat eccrine sweat glands averaged 4.2±1.2% after 4 weeks of chase, increased slightly by the 6th week, averaging 4.4±0.9%, and peaked at 8 weeks, averaging 5.3±1.0%. Subsequently, the average percentage of BrdU(+) cells declined to 3.2±0.8% by the 32nd week. There was no difference in the percentage of BrdU-LRCs among the different survival time points except that a significant difference in the percentage of BrdU-LRCs detected at 24 weeks versus 8 weeks, and 32 weeks versus 8 weeks, was observed. We concluded that the BrdU-LRCs turnover is slow in eccrine sweat glands.

LPS-Stimulated Human Skin-Derived Stem Cells Enhance Neo-Vascularization during Dermal Regeneration

High numbers of adult stem cells are still required to improve the formation of new vessels in scaffolds to accelerate dermal regeneration. Recent data indicate a benefit for vascularization capacity by stimulating stem cells with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, stem cells derived from human skin (SDSC) were activated with LPS and seeded in a commercially available dermal substitute to examine vascularization in vivo. Besides, in vitro assays were performed to evaluate angiogenic factor release and tube formation ability. Results showed that LPS-activated SDSC significantly enhanced vascularization of the scaffolds, compared to unstimulated stem cells in vivo. Further, in vitro assays confirmed higher secretion rates of proangiogenic as well as proinflammatoric factors in the presence of LPS-activated SDSC. Our results suggest that combining activated stem cells and a dermal substitute is a promising option to enhance vascularization in scaffold-mediated dermal regeneration.

Distribution of BrdU label-retaining cells in eccrine sweat glands and comparison of the percentage of BrdU-positive cells in eccrine sweat glands and in epidermis in rats

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) has commonly been used for detecting of label-retaining cells (LRCs). To determine if there are LRCs and the distributions of LRCs in eccrine sweat glands, 20 newborn SD rats within 24 h after birth were injected intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg/time BrdU four consecutive times at 2-h intervals, or twice daily at 2-h intervals for four consecutive days. Six weeks after the last BrdU injection, rats were sacrificed, and the hind footpads were harvested, fixed and embedded in paraffin. Five-micrometer thickness tissue sections were cut and the expression of BrdU was detected immunohistochemically. The results showed that BrdU(+) cells were scatteredly distributed in coiled secretory part and coiled duct, as well as the straight duct, but not the intraepidermal duct of eccrine sweat glands. In secretory part, besides secretory cells, myoepithelial cells showed label retaining. The percentage of BrdU(+) cells in eccrine sweat gland of rat footpads had no significant difference between the two injection methods of BrdU (50 mg/kg/time BrdU four consecutive times at 2-h intervals vs. 50 mg/kg/time BrdU twice daily at 2-h intervals for four consecutive days) (P > 0.05). The percentage of BrdU(+) cells in eccrine sweat glands (4.2 ± 1.3 %) was significantly higher than that in stratum basale of epidermis (0.5 ± 0.1 ‰) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, there were LRCs in eccrine sweat glands of rat footpads, and these LRCs might play important roles in the homeostasis of skin and its appendages.

Multipotent nestin-positive stem cells reside in the stroma of human eccrine and apocrine sweat glands and can be propagated robustly in vitro

Human skin harbours multiple different stem cell populations. In contrast to the relatively well-characterized niches of epidermal and hair follicle stem cells, the localization and niches of stem cells in other human skin compartments are as yet insufficiently investigated. Previously, we had shown in a pilot study that human sweat gland stroma contains Nestin-positive stem cells. Isolated sweat gland stroma-derived stem cells (SGSCs) proliferated in vitro and expressed Nestin in 80% of the cells. In this study, we were able to determine the precise localization of Nestin-positive cells in both eccrine and apocrine sweat glands of human axillary skin. We established a reproducible isolation procedure and characterized the spontaneous, long-lasting multipotent differentiation capacity of SGSCs. Thereby, a pronounced ectodermal differentiation was observed. Moreover, the secretion of prominent cytokines demonstrated the immunological potential of SGSCs. The comparison to human adult epidermal stem cells (EpiSCs) and bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) revealed differences in protein expression and differentiation capacity. Furthermore, we found a coexpression of the stem cell markers Nestin and Iα6 within SGSCs and human sweat gland stroma. In conclusion the initial results of the pilot study were confirmed, indicating that human sweat glands are a new source of unique stem cells with multilineage differentiation potential, high proliferation capacity and remarkable self renewal. With regard to the easy accessibility of skin tissue biopsies, an autologous application of SGSCs in clinical therapies appears promising.

Quantum Dots Do Not Alter the Differentiation Potential of Pancreatic Stem Cells and Are Distributed Randomly among Daughter Cells

With the increasing relevance of cell-based therapies, there is a demand for cell-labeling techniques for in vitro and in vivo studies. For the reasonable tracking of transplanted stem cells in animal models, the usage of quantum dots (QDs) for sensitive cellular imaging has major advances. QDs could be delivered to the cytoplasm of the cells providing intense and stable fluorescence. Although QDs are emerging as favourable nanoparticles for bioimaging, substantial investigations are still required to consider their application for adult stem cells. Therefore, rat pancreatic stem cells (PSCs) were labeled with different concentrations of CdSe quantum dots (Qtracker 605 nanocrystals). The QD labeled PSCs showed normal proliferation and their usual spontaneous differentiation potential in vitro. The labeling of the cell population was concentration dependent, with increasing cell load from 5 nM QDs to 20 nM QDs. With time-lapse microscopy, we observed that the transmission of the QD particles during cell divisions was random, appearing as equal or unequal transmission to daughter cells. We report here that QDs offered an efficient and nontoxic way to label pancreatic stem cells without genetic modifications. In summary, QD nanocrystals are a promising tool for stem cell labeling and facilitate tracking of transplanted cells in animal models.

Mammary gland-derived nestin-positive cell populations can be isolated from human male and female donors

Introduction

Nestin-expressing cells isolated from different human tissues reveal self-renewal capacity and a multilineage differentiation potential. In particular, adult stem/progenitor cell populations from exocrine glands such as the pancreas, salivary gland and sweat gland are characterized by prominent nestin expression. Interestingly, human mammary gland histological examinations also demonstrated the existence of nestin-positive cells in the ductal compartments. Within the scope of our previous work we wonder whether an isolation of nestin-positive cell populations from human mammary gland biopsies is possible and what characteristics they have in vitro. Cell populations from both sexes were propagated and subjected to a comparison with other gland-derived cell populations.

Methods

Human mammary tissue biopsies were mechanically and enzymatically treated, and the isolated acini structures were observed with time-lapse microscopy to track adherently outgrowing cells. The proliferation potential of the cell population was assessed by performing growth curves. On the gene and protein levels we investigated the expression of stem cell markers as well as markers indicating multilineage differentiation.

Results

We succeeded in establishing proliferating cell populations from breast tissue biopsies of both sexes. Our results display several similarities to the glandular stem cell populations from other exocrine glands. Beside their proliferation capacity during in vitro culture, the obtained cell populations are characterized by their prominent nestin expression. The cells share surface proteins commonly expressed on adult stem cells. We demonstrated the expression of stem cell-related genes like Oct4, Sox2, KLF4 and Nanog, and confirmed multipotent differentiation capacity by detecting transcripts expressed in endodermal, mesodermal and ectodermal cell types.

Conclusion

With this study we present an efficient procedure for isolation and propagation of nestin-positive stem cells obtained from male and female breast tissue, which is frequently available. The established multipotent cell populations could be easily expanded in vitro and thus hold promise for cell-based therapies and personalized medicine.

An update review of stem cell applications in burns and wound care

The ultimate goal of the treatment of cutaneous burns and wounds is to restore the damaged skin both structurally and functionally to its original state. Recent research advances have shown the great potential of stem cells in improving the rate and quality of wound healing and regenerating the skin and its appendages. Stem cell-based therapeutic strategies offer new prospects in the medical technology for burns and wounds care. This review seeks to give an updated overview of the applications of stem cell therapy in burns and wound management since our previous review of the “stem cell strategies in burns care”.

Human eccrine sweat gland cells turn into melanin-uptaking keratinocytes in dermo-epidermal skin substitutes

Recently, Biedermann et al. (2010) have demonstrated that human eccrine sweat gland cells can develop a multilayered epidermis. The question still remains whether these cells can fulfill exclusive and very specific functional properties of epidermal keratinocytes, such as the incorporation of melanin, a feature absent in sweat gland cells. We added human melanocytes to eccrine sweat gland cells to let them develop into an epidermal analog in vivo. The interaction between melanocytes and sweat gland-derived keratinocytes was investigated. The following results were gained: (1) macroscopically, a pigmentation of the substitutes was seen 2-3 weeks after transplantation; (2) we confirmed the development of a multilayered, stratified epidermis with melanocytes distributed evenly throughout the basal layer; (3) melanocytic dendrites projected to suprabasal layers; and (4) melanin was observed to be integrated into former eccrine sweat gland cells. These skin substitutes were similar or equal to skin substitutes cultured from human epidermal keratinocytes. The only differences observed were a delay in pigmentation and less melanin uptake. These data suggest that eccrine sweat gland cells can form a functional epidermal melanin unit, thereby providing striking evidence that they can assume one of the most characteristic keratinocyte properties.

Tissue engineering for the management of chronic wounds: current concepts and future perspectives

Chronic wounds constitute a significant and growing biomedical burden. With the increasing growth of populations prone to dysfunctional wound healing, there is an urgent and unmet need for novel strategies to both prevent and treat these complications. Tissue engineering offers the potential to create functional skin, and the synergistic efforts of biomedical engineers, material scientists, and molecular and cell biologists have yielded promising therapies for non-healing wounds. However, traditional paradigms for wound healing focus largely on the role of inflammatory cells and fail to incorporate more recent research highlighting the importance of stem cells and matrix dynamics in skin repair. Approaches to chronic wound healing centred on inflammation alone are inadequate to guide the development of regenerative medicine-based technologies. As the molecular pathways and biologic defects underlying non-healing wounds are further elucidated, multifaceted bioengineering systems must advance in parallel to exploit this knowledge. In this viewpoint essay, we highlight the current concepts in tissue engineering for chronic wounds and speculate on areas for future research in this increasingly interdisciplinary field.

Perivascular localization of dermal stem cells in human scalp

In mammalian skin, the existence of stem cells in the dermis is still poorly understood. Previous studies have indicated that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are situated as pericytes in various mammalian tissues. We speculated that the human adult dermis also contains MSC-like cells positive for CD34 at perivascular sites similar to adipose tissue. At first, stromal cells from adult scalp skin tissues showed colony-forming ability and differentiated into mesenchymal lineages (osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic). Three-dimensional analysis of scalp skin with a confocal microscope clearly demonstrated that perivascular cells were positive for not only NG2, but also CD34, immunoreactivity. Perivascular CD34-positive cells were abundant around follicular portions. Furthermore, CD34-positive cell fractions collected with magnetic cell sorting were capable of differentiating into mesenchymal lineages. This study suggests that dermal perivascular sites act as a niche of MSCs in human scalp skin, which are easily accessible and useful in regenerative medicine.

Cellular modulation of polymeric device surfaces: promise of adult stem cells for neuro-prosthetics

Minimizing the foreign body response is seen as one critical research strategy for implants especially when designed for immune-privileged organs like the brain. The context of this work is to improve deep brain stimulating devices used in a consistently growing spectrum of psychomotor and psychiatric diseases mainly in form of stiff electrodes. Based on the compliance match hypothesis of biocompatibility we present another step forward using flexible implant materials covered with brain cell-mimicking layers. We covered two types of flexible polyimide films with glandular stem cells derived from pancreatic acini. Using real time-PCR and fluorescent immunocytochemistry we analyzed markers representing various cell types of all three germ layers and stemness. The results demonstrate an unchanged differentiation potential of the polyimide fixated cells as measured by mRNA and protein level. Additionally we developed a fibrinous hydrogel coating to protect them against shear forces upon eventual implantation. By repeating previous analysis and additional metabolism tests for all stages we corroborate the validity of this improvement. Consequently we assume that a stem cell-containing cover may provide a native, fully and actively integrating brain-mimicking interface to the neuropil.

A novel xenogeneic co-culture system to examine neuronal differentiation capability of various adult human stem cells

Background

Targeted differentiation of stem cells is mainly achieved by the sequential administration of defined growth factors and cytokines, although these approaches are quite artificial, cost-intensive and time-consuming. We now present a simple xenogeneic rat brain co-culture system which supports neuronal differentiation of adult human stem cells under more in vivo-like conditions.

Methods and Findings

This system was applied to well-characterized stem cell populations isolated from human skin, parotid gland and pancreas. In addition to general multi-lineage differentiation potential, these cells tend to differentiate spontaneously into neuronal cell types in vitro and are thus ideal candidates for the introduced co-culture system. Consequently, after two days of co-culture up to 12% of the cells showed neuronal morphology and expressed corresponding markers on the mRNA and protein level. Additionally, growth factors with the ability to induce neuronal differentiation in stem cells could be found in the media supernatants of the co-cultures.

Conclusions

The co-culture system described here is suitable for testing neuronal differentiation capability of numerous types of stem cells. Especially in the case of human cells, it may be of clinical relevance for future cell-based therapeutic applications.

Expression of stem cell markers nestin and cytokeratin 15 and 19 in cutaneous malignancies

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence is implicating stem cells in the pathogenesis of different cutaneous neoplasms. The immunohistochemical use of stem cell markers has facilitated stem cell identification. While few studies have examined the expression of cytokertatin (CK)15 and cytokeratin (CK)19 in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), only rarely have nestin expression been examined in these two malignancies. Furthermore, stem cell marker expression, to the best of our knowledge, has not been examined in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

METHODS

In this study, we examined the expression of stem cell markers CK15, CK19 and nestin in 51 overall cases (11 cases of MCC and 20 cases each of BCC and SCC) retrieved from the pathology files of Skin Pathology Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine.

RESULTS

Cytokeratin 15 immunoreactivity was observed in 30% of BCC cases and only a single (5%) SCC case, while all MCC cases were negative. While 60% of BCC cases and 30% of SCC cases stained positively with CK19, all MCC cases showed positive immunostaining in a dot-like pattern. While negative in BCC and MCC, nestin expression was interestingly seen in 45% of SCC cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study described the expression profiles of stem cell markers CK15, CK19 and nestin in BCC, SCC and MCC. In addition to confirming results of the previous reports, our study also showed positive nestin expression in around half of SCC cases, which adds this malignancy to the cutaneous tumours that have been so far reported to exhibit nestin expression.

p21cip/WAF is a key regulator of long-term radiation damage in mesenchyme-derived tissues

This study aimed to determine the mechanisms responsible for long-term tissue damage following radiation injury. We irradiated p21-knockout (p21(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) mice and determined the long-term deleterious effects of this intervention on mesenchyme-derived tissues. In addition, we explored the mechanisms of radiation-induced mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) dysfunction in isolated bone marrow-derived cells. p21 expression was chronically elevated >200-fold in irradiated tissues. Loss of p21 function resulted in a >4-fold increase in the number of skin MSCs remaining after radiation. p21(-/-) mice had significantly less radiation damage, including 6-fold less scarring, 40% increased growth potential, and 4-fold more hypertrophic chondrocytes in the epiphyseal plate (P<0.01). Irradiated p21(-/-) MSCs had 4-fold increased potential for bone or fat differentiation, 4-fold greater proliferation rate, and nearly 7-fold lower senescence as compared to WT MSCs (P<0.01). Ectopic expression of p21 in knockout cells decreased proliferation and differentiation potential and recapitulated the WT phenotype. Loss of p21 function markedly decreases the deleterious effects of radiation injury in mesenchyme-derived tissues and preserves tissue-derived MSCs. In addition, p21 is a critical regulator of MSC proliferation, differentiation, and senescence both at baseline and in response to radiation.