Hair follicle stem cell; Melanocyte stem cell (HFSC (Hair follicle stem cell); MeSC (Melanocyte stem cell))

Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are adult epithelial stem cells residing in the bulge region of the hair follicle that maintain cyclic hair growth and contribute to skin repair. Melanocyte stem cells (MeSCs) reside in the same niche, differentiate into melanin-producing melanocytes during the hair cycle, and are essential for hair and skin pigmentation. Both are regulated by local and systemic signals and are critical for tissue regeneration, pigmentation, and protection against damage. Dysfunction of these stem cell populations leads to disorders such as hair graying, vitiligo, and scarring hypo- or depigmentation. They are currently of interest in regenerative medicine, pigmentary disorder treatments, and skin tissue engineering.

Other names

Hair follicle epithelial stem cellBulge stem cellMelanoblast stem cellMelanocyte precursorHair follicle-associated melanocyte stem cell

Modulation of signaling pathways (WNT, BMP, FGF, TGF-β, Notch, KIT, EDN) to control activation, differentiation, or maintenance of stem cell populations\nNot conventional ligand-receptor drug actions.