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Wen L, Fan Z, Huang W, Miao Y, Zhang J, Liu B, Zhu D, Dai D, Zhang J, Le D, Zhang Y, Qu Q, Hu Z, Chen R. Retinoic acid drives hair follicle stem cell activation via Wnt/β-catenin signalling in androgenetic alopecia. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2025; 39:189-201. [PMID: 38629345 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.20000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 12/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depletion or permanent quiescence of the hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) pool underlies pathogenesis in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Reactivation of quiescent HFSCs is considered an efficient treatment strategy for hair loss. The retinoic acid (RA) is critical to ensure stem cell homeostasis and function. However, little is known about whether RA regulates HFSC homeostasis. We aimed to investigate the impact of RA on HFSC homeostasis and the underlying mechanisms, in order to provide new potential targets for medical therapies of AGA. METHODS Microdissected hair follicles from the occipital and frontal scalp in AGA were obtained for RNA sequencing analysis and test. The C57BL/6 mice model in telogen was established to investigate the effect of exogenous RA. Miniaturized hair follicles from frontal scalp were incubated with or without RA in hair follicle organ culture to test the effects on hair shaft elongation, hair cycling and HFSC activities. A strategy to characterize the effect of RA on HFSC in primary culture was developed to identify novel mechanisms that control HFSC activation. A clinical study was performed to test the efficacy of RA treatment in AGA patients. RESULTS RA signalling was inhibited in the course of AGA pathogenesis along with HFSC dysfunction. Hair regeneration was retarded in AGA miniaturized hair follicles with RA deficiency, but they tended to recover after treatment with RA. In addition, RA treatment during the telogen phase facilitated HFSC anagen entry and accelerated hair growth. Mechanistically, RA promoted hair growth by stimulating stem cells via Wnt/β-catenin signalling and accelerating the transition from a dormant to an activated state. Furthermore, a clinical study suggested that RA has obvious advantages in the early intervention of AGA by reactivating HFSCs. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides insights into the reactivation of HFSCs in AGA and provides potential targets for medical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihong Wen
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhexiang Fan
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weichang Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Miao
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiarui Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bingcheng Liu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Decong Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Damao Dai
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxian Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Demengjie Le
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yufan Zhang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Qu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqi Hu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruosi Chen
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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2
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Park S, Park HW, Seo DB, Yoo DS, Bae S. In vitro hair growth-promoting effects of araliadiol via the p38/PPAR-γ signaling pathway in human hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1482898. [PMID: 39691387 PMCID: PMC11649413 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1482898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 11/18/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Scalp hair plays a crucial role in social communication by expressing personal appearance and self-identity. Consequently, hair loss often leads to a perception of unattractiveness, negatively impacting an individual's life and mental health. Currently, the use of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs for hair loss is associated with several side effects, highlighting the need for identifying new drug candidates, such as plant-derived phytochemicals, to overcome these issues. Objective This study investigated the hair growth-promoting effects of araliadiol, a polyacetylene compound found in plants such as Centella asiatica. Methods We employed an in vitro model comprising human hair follicle stem cells (HHFSCs) and human dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) to evaluate the hair growth-promoting effects of araliadiol. The proliferation-stimulating effects of araliadiol were assessed using water-soluble tetrazolium salt assay, adenosine triphosphate content assay, and crystal violet staining assay. In addition, we performed luciferase reporter assay, polymerase chain reaction analysis, cell fractionation, Western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to elucidate the mechanism underlying the hair growth-inductive effects of araliadiol. Results Araliadiol exhibited both proliferation- and hair growth-promoting effects in HHFSCs and HDPCs. Specifically, it increased the protein expression of cyclin B1 and Ki67. In HHFSCs, it elevated the expression of hair growth-promoting factors, including CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and angiopoietin-like 4. Similarly, araliadiol increased the expression of hair growth-inductive proteins such as fibroblast growth factor 7, VEGF, noggin, and insulin-like growth factor 1 in HDPCs. Subsequent Western blot analysis and ELISA using inhibitors such as GW9662 and SB202190 confirmed that these hair growth-promoting effects were dependent on the p38/PPAR-γ signaling in both HHFSCs and HDPCs. Conclusion Araliadiol promotes hair growth through the p38/PPAR-γ signaling pathway in human hair follicle cells. Therefore, araliadiol can be considered a novel drug candidate for the treatment of alopecia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seokmuk Park
- Department of Cosmetics Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | - Seunghee Bae
- Department of Cosmetics Engineering, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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3
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Lv Y, Yang W, Kannan PR, Zhang H, Zhang R, Zhao R, Kong X. Materials-based hair follicle engineering: Basic components and recent advances. Mater Today Bio 2024; 29:101303. [PMID: 39498149 PMCID: PMC11532916 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Revised: 10/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/17/2024] [Indexed: 11/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The hair follicle (HF) is a significant skin appendage whose primary function is to produce the hair shaft. HFs are a non-renewable resource; skin damage or follicle closure may lead to permanent hair loss. Advances in biomaterials and biomedical engineering enable the feasibility of manipulating the HF-associated cell function for follicle reconstruction via rational design. The regeneration of bioengineered HF addresses the issue of limited resources and contributes to advancements in research and applications in hair loss treatment, HF development, and drug screening. Based on these requirements, this review summarizes the basic and recent advances in hair follicle regulation, including four components: acquisition of stem cells, signaling pathways, materials, and engineering methods. Recent studies have focused on efficiently combining these components and reproducing functionality, which would boost fabrication in HF rebuilding ex vivo, thereby eliminating the obstacles of transplantation into animals to promote mature development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yudie Lv
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Weili Yang
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Perumal Ramesh Kannan
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Ruibo Zhao
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
| | - Xiangdong Kong
- Institute of Smart Biomedical Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
- Zhejiang-Mauritius Joint Research Center for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, 310018, China
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4
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Sugiyama E, Nanmo A, Nie X, Chang SY, Hashimoto M, Suzuki A, Kageyama T, Fukuda J. Large-Scale Preparation of Hair Follicle Germs Using a Microfluidic Device. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:998-1005. [PMID: 38193447 PMCID: PMC10865290 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Hair follicle morphogenesis during embryonic development is driven by the formation of hair follicle germs (HFGs) via interactions between epithelial and mesenchymal cells. Bioengineered HFGs are potential tissue grafts for hair regenerative medicine because they can replicate interactions and hair follicle morphogenesis after transplantation. However, a mass preparation approach for HFGs is necessary for clinical applications, given that thousands of de novo hair follicles are required to improve the appearance of a single patient with alopecia. In this study, we developed a microfluidics-based approach for the large-scale preparation of HFGs. A simple flow-focusing microfluidic device allowed collagen solutions containing epithelial and mesenchymal cells to flow and generate collagen microbeads with distinct Janus structures. During the 3 days of culture, the collagen beads contracted owing to cellular traction forces, resulting in collagen- and cell-dense HFGs. The transplantation of HFGs into nude mice resulted in highly efficient de novo hair follicle regeneration. This method provides a scalable and robust tissue graft preparation approach for hair regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Sugiyama
- Faculty
of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
| | - Ayaka Nanmo
- Faculty
of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
| | - Xiaolei Nie
- Pillar
of Engineering Product Development, Singapore
University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore 487372, Singapore
- Digital
Manufacturing and Design (DManD) Centre, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Rd, Singapore 487372, Singapore
| | - Shu-Yung Chang
- Pillar
of Engineering Product Development, Singapore
University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore 487372, Singapore
- Digital
Manufacturing and Design (DManD) Centre, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Rd, Singapore 487372, Singapore
| | - Michinao Hashimoto
- Pillar
of Engineering Product Development, Singapore
University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, Singapore 487372, Singapore
- Digital
Manufacturing and Design (DManD) Centre, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Rd, Singapore 487372, Singapore
| | - Atsushi Suzuki
- Faculty
of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
- Institute
of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National
University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
| | - Tatsuto Kageyama
- Faculty
of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
- Institute
of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National
University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
- Kanagawa
Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 3-2-1 Sakado Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 213-0012, Japan
| | - Junji Fukuda
- Faculty
of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
- Institute
of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National
University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
- Kanagawa
Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 3-2-1 Sakado Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 213-0012, Japan
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Sun P, Wang Z, Li S, Yin J, Gan Y, Liu S, Lin Z, Wang H, Fan Z, Qu Q, Hu Z, Li K, Miao Y. Autophagy induces hair follicle stem cell activation and hair follicle regeneration by regulating glycolysis. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:6. [PMID: 38183147 PMCID: PMC10770887 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01177-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) typically remain quiescent and are activated only during the transition from telogen to anagen to ensure that the hair follicle enters a new cycle. The metabolic behavior of stem cells in tissues is regulated by macroautophagy/autophagy, and changes in HFSC metabolism directly affect their activation and maintenance. However, the role of autophagy in the regulation of HFSC metabolism and function remains unclear. METHODS Back skin samples were obtained from mice at different hair follicle cycle stages, and immunofluorescence staining was used to monitor autophagy in HFSCs. Mouse and human hair follicles were treated with rapamycin (Rapa, an autophagy activator) or 3-methyladenine (3-MA, an autophagy inhibitor). The effects of autophagy on the hair follicle cycle and HFSC were investigated by imaging, cell proliferation staining, and HFSC-specific marker staining. The influence and mechanism of autophagy on HFSC metabolism were explored using RNA sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical staining, and detection of lactate and glucose concentrations. Finally, the influence of autophagy-induced glycolysis on HFSC and the hair follicle cycle was verified by stem cell characteristics and in vivo functional experiments. RESULTS Autophagy in HFSC was highest during the transition from telogen to anagen. Inhibiting autophagy with 3-MA led to early entry into catagen and prolonged telogen, whereas Rapa promoted autophagy and hair growth. Autophagy activated HFSC by increasing the expression and activity of HFSC lactate dehydrogenase (Ldha), thereby transforming HFSC metabolism into glycolysis. Inhibition of Ldha expression counteracted the effects of autophagy. CONCLUSIONS Autophagy activated HFSC by promoting the transition from HFSC metabolism to glycolysis, ultimately initiating the hair follicle cycle and promoting hair growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Sun
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sixiao Li
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiajing Yin
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuyang Gan
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shizhao Liu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Lin
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hailin Wang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhexiang Fan
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qian Qu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqi Hu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaitao Li
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yong Miao
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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6
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Xu L, Wang G, Shi R, Zeng B, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Dong N, Wang S, Li C. A cocktail of small molecules maintains the stemness and differentiation potential of conjunctival epithelial cells. Ocul Surf 2023; 30:107-118. [PMID: 37634570 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The conjunctival epithelial cells cultured with bovine serum or feeder cells were not suitable for clinical application. Therefore, we developed a novel serum-free and feeder cell-free culture system containing only a cocktail of three chemicals (3C) to expand the conjunctival epithelial cells. METHODS The cell proliferative ability was evaluated by counting, crystal violet staining and Ki67 immunostaining. Co-staining of K7 and MUC5AC was performed to identify goblet cells. PAS staining was used to assess the ability of cells to synthesis and secrete glycoproteins. In vivo, eye drops containing 3C was administered to verify the role of 3C in the mouse conjunctival injury model. PAS, HE and immunofluorescence staining were performed to show conjunctival epithelial repair. RESULTS Compared with other small molecule groups and the serum group, the cells in 3C group showed superior morphology and proliferative ability. Meanwhile, 3C maintained the well-proliferative capacity of cells even after fifth passage. The 3C group also exhibited more K7 and MUC5AC double positive cells, and the PAS staining positive areas were present in both the cytoplasm and extracellular matrix. The cell sheets treated with 3C in air-lifted culture were obviously stratified. In vivo, more goblet cells in the conjunctival epithelium were observed in the 3C group. CONCLUSION Overall, our culture system can expand the conjunctival epithelial cells and retain their potential to differentiate into mature goblet cells, which provided a promising source of seed cells for conjunctival reconstruction. Furthermore, this system provides new insights for the clinical treatment of ocular surface diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Guoliang Wang
- Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Ruize Shi
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Baihui Zeng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Nuo Dong
- Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, China; Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Shurong Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130041, China.
| | - Cheng Li
- Huaxia Eye Hospital of Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Fujian, 362000, China; Eye Institute & Affiliated Xiamen Eye Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.
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7
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Vatanashevanopakorn C, Sartyoungkul T. iPSC-based approach for human hair follicle regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1149050. [PMID: 37325563 PMCID: PMC10266356 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1149050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hair follicles (HFs) are a multifunctional structure involved in physical protection, thermoregulation, sensational detection, and wound healing. Formation and cycling of HFs require dynamic interaction between different cell types of the follicles. Although the processes have been well studied, the generation of human functional HFs with a normal cycling pattern for clinical utilization has yet to be achieved. Recently, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) serve as an unlimited cell source for generating various types of cells including cells of the HFs. In this review, HF morphogenesis and cycling, different cell sources used for HF regeneration, and potential strategies for HF bioengineering using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are depicted. Challenges and perspectives toward the therapeutic use of bioengineered HFs for hair loss disorder are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinnavuth Vatanashevanopakorn
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Siriraj Center for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanutchaporn Sartyoungkul
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Siriraj Center for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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8
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Huang J, Fu D, Wu X, Li Y, Zheng B, Liu Z, Zhou Y, Gan Y, Miao Y, Hu Z. One-step generation of core-shell biomimetic microspheres encapsulating double-layer cells using microfluidics for hair regeneration. Biofabrication 2023; 15. [PMID: 36608335 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/acb107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering of hair follicles (HFs) has enormous potential in the treatment of hair loss. HF morphogenesis is triggered by reciprocal interactions between HF germ epithelial and mesenchymal layers. Here, a microfluidic-assisted technology is developed for the preparation of double aqueous microdroplets that entrap double-layer cells and growth factors to ultimately be used for hair regeneration. Mouse mesenchymal cells (MSCs) and epidermal cells (EPCs) are encapsulated in gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) cores and photo-curable catechol-grafted hyaluronic acid (HAD) shells to fabricate GelMA-MSC/HAD-EPC (G/HAD) microspheres. The findings show that the G/HAD microspheres exhibit ultrafast gelation, aqueous phase separation, superior biocompatibility, and favorable wet adhesion properties. G/HAD microspheres can also support cell proliferation and sustain growth factor release. These composite cell microspheres are capable of efficient HF generation upon transplantation into the dorsal dermis of nude mice. This finding facilitates the large-scale preparation of approximately 80 double-layer cell spheres per min. This simple double-layer cell sphere preparation approach is a promising strategy for improving current hair-regenerative medicine techniques and can potentially be applied along with other organoid techniques for extended applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfei Huang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Danlan Fu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqi Wu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - BoWen Zheng
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuyang Gan
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Miao
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqi Hu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, People's Republic of China
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9
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Jayarajan V, Hall GT, Xenakis T, Bulstrode N, Moulding D, Castellano S, Di WL. Short-Term Treatment with Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor Preserves Keratinocyte Stem Cell Characteristics In Vitro. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030346. [PMID: 36766688 PMCID: PMC9913223 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary keratinocytes including keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) can be cultured as epidermal sheets in vitro and are attractive for cell and gene therapies for genetic skin disorders. However, the initial slow growth of freshly isolated keratinocytes hinders clinical applications. Rho-associated kinase inhibitor (ROCKi) has been used to overcome this obstacle, but its influence on the characteristics of KSC and its safety for clinical application remains unknown. In this study, primary keratinocytes were treated with ROCKi Y-27632 for six days (short-term). Significant increases in colony formation and cell proliferation during the six-day ROCKi treatment were observed and confirmed by related protein markers and single-cell transcriptomic analysis. In addition, short-term ROCKi-treated cells maintained their differentiation ability as examined by 3D-organotypic culture. However, these changes could be reversed and became indistinguishable between treated and untreated cells once ROCKi treatment was withdrawn. Further, the short-term ROCKi treatment did not reduce the number of KSCs. In addition, AKT and ERK pathways were rapidly activated upon ROCKi treatment. In conclusion, short-term ROCKi treatment can transiently and reversibly accelerate initial primary keratinocyte expansion while preserving the holoclone-forming cell population (KSCs), providing a safe avenue for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vignesh Jayarajan
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - George T. Hall
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 20 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Theodoros Xenakis
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 20 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Neil Bulstrode
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Dale Moulding
- Light Microscopy Core Facility, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Sergi Castellano
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 20 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
- UCL Genomics, Zayed Centre for Research into Rare Disease in Children, 20 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DZ, UK
| | - Wei-Li Di
- Infection, Immunity and Inflammation Research & Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-(0)207905-2369; Fax: +44-(0)207905-2882
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10
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Li Y, Jin M, Gao Y, Lu L, Cao J, Liu Y, Chen Y, Wang X. Efficient establishment of an optimized culture condition for cashmere goat primary hair follicle stem cells. J Anim Sci 2023; 101:skad235. [PMID: 37429584 PMCID: PMC10370882 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skad235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are an important basis for hair follicle morphogenesis and hair cycle growth. This cell type also represents an excellent model for studying the gene function and molecular regulation of the hair growth cycle, including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Basically, the functional investigation of hair growth-regulating genes demands a sufficient amount of HFSCs. However, efficient propagation of HFSCs in goats is a challenging process under the current culture conditions. Here, we investigated the effect of four components, including the Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and vitamin C, on cell growth and pluripotency in the basal culture medium (DMEM/F12 supplemented with 2% fetal bovine serum). We found that adding Y-27632, LIF, and bFGF independently increased the proliferation and pluripotency of goat HFSCs (gHFSCs), with Y-27632 having the most significant effect (P < 0.001). Fluorescence-activated cell sorting of the cell cycle revealed that Y-27632 promoted gHFSC proliferation by inducing the cell cycle from S to G2/M phase (P < 0.05). We further demonstrated that gHFSCs displayed superior proliferative capacity, clone-forming ability, and differentiation potential in the combined presence of Y-27632 (10 μM) and bFGF (10 ng/mL). We termed this novel culture condition as gHFEM, which stands for goat Hair Follicle Enhanced Medium. Taken together, these results indicate that gHFEM is an optimal condition for in vitro culture of gHFSCs, which will subsequently facilitate the study of HF growth and biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio-Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Miaohan Jin
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio-Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yawei Gao
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio-Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Lijin Lu
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio-Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Jing Cao
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio-Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Institute of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Primate Neurobiology, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yao Liu
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio-Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yulin Chen
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio-Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- International Joint Agriculture Research Center for Animal Bio-Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs/Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock Biology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
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11
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Kopecny LR, Lee BWH, Coroneo MT. A systematic review on the effects of ROCK inhibitors on proliferation and/or differentiation in human somatic stem cells: A hypothesis that ROCK inhibitors support corneal endothelial healing via acting on the limbal stem cell niche. Ocul Surf 2023; 27:16-29. [PMID: 36586668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rho kinase inhibitors (ROCKi) have attracted growing multidisciplinary interest, particularly in Ophthalmology where the question as to how they promote corneal endothelial healing remains unresolved. Concurrently, stem cell biology has rapidly progressed in unravelling drivers of stem cell (SC) proliferation and differentiation, where mechanical niche factors and the actin cytoskeleton are increasingly recognized as key players. There is mounting evidence from the study of the peripheral corneal endothelium that supports the likelihood of an internal limbal stem cell niche. The possibility that ROCKi stimulate the endothelial SC niche has not been addressed. Furthermore, there is currently a paucity of data that directly evaluates whether ROCKi promotes corneal endothelial healing by acting on this limbal SC niche located near the transition zone. Therefore, we performed a systematic review examining the effects ROCKi on the proliferation and differentiation of human somatic SC, to provide insight into its effects on various human SC populations. An appraisal of electronic searches of four databases identified 1 in vivo and 58 in vitro studies (36 evaluated proliferation while 53 examined differentiation). Types of SC studied included mesenchymal (n = 32), epithelial (n = 11), epidermal (n = 8), hematopoietic and other (n = 8). The ROCK 1/2 selective inhibitor Y-27632 was used in almost all studies (n = 58), while several studies evaluated ≥2 ROCKi (n = 4) including fasudil, H-1152, and KD025. ROCKi significantly influenced human somatic SC proliferation in 81% of studies (29/36) and SC differentiation in 94% of studies (50/53). The present systemic review highlights that ROCKi are influential in regulating human SC proliferation and differentiation, and provides evidence to support the hypothesis that ROCKi promotes corneal endothelial division and maintenance via acting on the inner limbal SC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd R Kopecny
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Brendon W H Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Level 2 South Wing, Edmund Blacket Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Minas T Coroneo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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12
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Kageyama T, Anakama R, Togashi H, Fukuda J. Impacts of manipulating cell sorting on in vitro hair follicle regeneration. J Biosci Bioeng 2022; 134:534-540. [PMID: 36195526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hair follicle morphogenesis is triggered by epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Several approaches have been developed for preparing hair follicle organoids using epithelial and mesenchymal cells; however, the current understanding of the relevance of in vitro spontaneous organization processes to hair regeneration is limited. In the present study, we used Y27632, a rho-associated kinase inhibitor, to investigate the effects of manipulation of cell sorting on hair regeneration in vitro. Dissociated hair follicle-inducible epithelial and mesenchymal cells were cultured in Y27632-containing media in 96-well plates or polydimethylsiloxane microarray plates. We found that Y27632 supplementation modulated the spatial distribution of epithelial and mesenchymal cells from a dumbbell shape to a core-shell configuration via a spontaneous organization process. New hair follicles with typical morphological features emerged in the Y27632-treated core-shell-shaped aggregates, and hair shafts sprouted with approximately 100% efficiency in vitro. Gene chip analysis and pathway-inhibition experiments revealed that the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B- and Ras-signaling pathways were involved in hair-like sprouting in the Y27632-treated hair follicle organoids. Our findings enhance the understanding of hair follicle organogenesis and the development of hair follicle organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuto Kageyama
- Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan; Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 3-2-1 Sakado Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 213-0012, Japan; Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)-PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan
| | - Riki Anakama
- Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan
| | - Hideru Togashi
- Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)-PRESTO, 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 332-0012, Japan; Division of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0017, Japan
| | - Junji Fukuda
- Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 240-8501, Japan; Kanagawa Institute of Industrial Science and Technology, 3-2-1 Sakado Takatsu-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 213-0012, Japan.
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13
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Liu Y, Yang S, Zeng Y, Tang Z, Zong X, Li X, Yang C, Liu L, Tong X, Zhou L, Wang D. Dysregulated behaviour of hair follicle stem cells triggers alopecia and provides potential therapeutic targets. Exp Dermatol 2022; 31:986-992. [PMID: 35524394 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Due to a steady increase in the number of individuals suffering from alopecia, this condition has recently received increasing attention. Alopecia can be caused by various pathological, environmental or psychological factors, eventually resulting in abnormalities in hair follicle (HF) structures or HF regeneration disorders, especially dysregulated hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) behaviour. HFSC behaviour includes activation, proliferation and differentiation. Appropriate HFSC behaviour sustains a persistent hair cycle (HC). HFSC behaviour is mainly influenced by HFSC metabolism, ageing, and the microenvironment. In this review, we summarize recent findings on how HFSC metabolism, ageing and the microenvironment give rise to hair growth disorders, as well as related genes and signalling pathways. Recent research on the application of stem cell-based hair tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to treat alopecia is also summarized. Determining how dysregulated HFSC behaviour underlies alopecia would be helpful in identifying potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanhong Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shengbo Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yilan Zeng
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ziting Tang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiule Zong
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Caifeng Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lulu Liu
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoliang Tong
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lu Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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14
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Lei M, Lin SJ, Chuong CM. Editorial: Hair Follicle Stem Cell Regeneration in Aging. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:799268. [PMID: 34901037 PMCID: PMC8655873 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.799268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mingxing Lei
- 111 Project Laboratory of Biomechanics and Tissue Repair, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology of the Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Sung-Jan Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Department of Dermatology, College of Engineering and College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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Chen Z, He W, Leung TCN, Chung HY. Immortalization and Characterization of Rat Lingual Keratinocytes in a High-Calcium and Feeder-Free Culture System Using ROCK Inhibitor Y-27632. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6782. [PMID: 34202585 PMCID: PMC8268148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cultured keratinocytes are desirable models for biological and medical studies. However, primary keratinocytes are difficult to maintain, and there has been little research on lingual keratinocyte culture. Here, we investigated the effect of Y-27632, a Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, on the immortalization and characterization of cultured rat lingual keratinocyte (RLKs). Three Y-27632-supplemented media were screened for the cultivation of RLKs isolated from Sprague-Dawley rats. Phalloidin staining and TUNEL assay were applied to visualize cytoskeleton dynamics and cell apoptosis following Y-27632 removal. Label-free proteomics, RT-PCR, calcium imaging, and cytogenetic studies were conducted to characterize the cultured cells. Results showed that RLKs could be conditionally immortalized in a high-calcium medium in the absence of feeder cells, although they did not exhibit normal karyotypes. The removal of Y-27632 from the culture medium led to reversible cytoskeletal reorganization and nuclear enlargement without triggering apoptosis, and a total of 239 differentially expressed proteins were identified by proteomic analysis. Notably, RLKs derived from the non-taste epithelium expressed some molecular markers characteristic of taste bud cells, yet calcium imaging revealed that they rarely responded to tastants. Collectively, we established a high-calcium and feeder-free culture method for the long-term maintenance of RLKs. Our results shed some new light on the immortalization and differentiation of lingual keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zixing Chen
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.C.); (T.C.N.L.)
| | - Wenmeng He
- Division of Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University-Hong Kong Baptist University United International College, Zhuhai 519087, China;
| | - Thomas Chun Ning Leung
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.C.); (T.C.N.L.)
- State Key Laboratory of Agrobiotechnology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hau Yin Chung
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (Z.C.); (T.C.N.L.)
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