This volume discusses methods for the study of multipotent and pluripotent
stem cells of the hair follicle. The stem cells described are involved in both
the growth of the hair follicle and its production of the hair shaft, as well
as the growth of the hair follicle sensory nerve. Multipotent Stem Cells of
the Hair Follicle: Methods and Protocols also explores very unexpected
results such as that of the hair follicle-associated-pluripotent (HAP) stem
cells, which not only have the capability for regenerating the hair follicle
sensory nerve, but also can differentiate ex vivo and in vivo to multiple cell
types not associated with the hair follicle—these include glial cells, motor
neurons, and beating cardiac muscle cells. The potential for HAP stem cells for
regenerative medicine is also discussed in detail. Written in the highly successful Methods in
Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their
respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step,
readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and
avoiding known pitfalls.
Cutting-edge
and thorough, Multipotent Stem Cells of the Hair Follicle: Methods and
Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers interested in this
field.
