Here we describe the isolation, characterisation and ex-vivo expansion of @entity1 epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC) and we provide protocols for their directed differentiation into osteocytes and melanocytes. hEPI-NCSC are neural crest-derived multipotent stem cells that persist into adulthood in the bulge of hair follicles. Multipotency and self-renewal were determined by in vitro clonal analyses. hEPI-NCSC generate all major neural crest derivatives, including bone/cartilage cells, neurons, Schwann cells, myofibroblasts and melanocytes. Furthermore, hEPI-NCSC express additional neural crest stem cell markers and global stem cell genes. To variable degrees and in a donor-dependent manner, hEPI-NCSC express the six essential pluripotency genes @entity517 , @entity4730 , @entity4731 , @entity26534 , @entity4729 / @entity4729 and @entity2440 . hEPI-NCSC can be expanded ex vivo into millions of stem cells that remain mulitpotent and continue to express stem cell genes. The novelty of hEPI-NCSC lies in the combination of their highly desirable traits. hEPI-NCSC are embryonic remnants in a postnatal location, the bulge of hair follicles. Therefore they are readily accessible in the hairy skin by minimal invasive procedure. hEPI-NCSC are multipotent somatic stem cells that can be isolated reproducibly and with high yield. By taking advantage of their migratory ability, hEPI-NCSC can be isolated as a highly pure population of stem cells. hEPI-NCSC can undergo robust ex vivo expansion and directed differentiation. As somatic stem cells, hEPI-NCSC are conducive to autologous transplantation, which avoids graft rejection. Together, these traits make hEPI-NCSC novel and attractive candidates for future cell-based therapies and regenerative medicine.

XXXX epidermal neural crest stem cells (hEPI-NCSC)--characterization and directed differentiation into osteocytes and melanocytes.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['human'] @entity26534 :: ('79727', 'Gene') :: ['LIN28'] @entity4729 :: ('5460', 'Gene') :: ['OCT-4', 'POU5F1'] @entity2440 :: ('79923', 'Gene') :: ['NANOG'] @entity4730 :: ('9314', 'Gene') :: ['KLF4'] @entity517 :: ('4609', 'Gene') :: ['C-MYC'] @entity4731 :: ('6657', 'Gene') :: ['SOX2']
@entity1 :: (9606,Species) :: ['Human']
