Small hair-growing skin model in lab

Thinking about the problem of hair loss and how to model its biology, researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have created a hirsute organoid from stem cells: “we report an organoid culture system that generates complex skin from human pluripotent stem cells. We use stepwise modulation of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathways to co-induce cranial epithelial cells and neural crest cells within a spherical cell aggregate. During an incubation period of 4–5 months, we observe the emergence of a cyst-like skin organoid composed of stratified epidermis, fat-rich dermis and pigmented hair follicles that are equipped with sebaceous glands. A network of sensory neurons and Schwann cells form nerve-like bundles that target Merkel cells in organoid hair follicles, mimicking the neural circuitry associated with human touch.”  MORE

Image Credit:  OSHU News and Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Karl R. Koehler and Jiyoon Lee