Detecting stem cells of all skin cells

Dutch and Swedish scientists have discovered stem cells of all types of skin cells, which could drastically change the treatment of patients with severe skin damage or burns.

Dr. Hans Clevers of the Royal Dutch Academy of Arts and Sciences and colleagues conducted experiments on mice.

The results showed that stem cells (in the spinal cord) produced all kinds of different skin cells that could exist in hair follicles.

Illustration.

This finding could be applied to humans to support the treatment of wounds or skin transplants for burn patients.

The skin has three different cell types, the hair follicles, the sebaceous glands and the middle tissues. Stem cells are primitive cells that develop all other cells.

Previously, scientists thought that stem cells in each type of skin cell could only produce cells of the same type, but with this finding, a "mother" cell could produce all three. cell type above.

Scientists discovered a group of stem cells that live in hair follicles and these cells have a very high level of the gene called Lgr6. In tests with mice, the Lgr6 gene can stimulate skin growth and treat damaged skin.

Now researchers have been able to grow a new type of skin in the lab using tissues from existing skin cells of patients who have severe burns, but new skin is often torn, dry and unavailable. hair.

Dr Clevers said that with the discovery, scientists can grow a new skin with moisture from the sebaceous glands and completely capable of growing hair.

However, researchers need to consider how to remove Lgr6 gene from human skin and this process can take 2-3 years.