Initial characterization of human skin stem cells

Objectives & Introduction: Since, there are different types of stem cells (SCs) in skin and its appendages; this tissue has considerable regenerative potential. Among all types of skin SCs, epidermal stem cells (EPSCs) are of particular interest, because they are numerous and easily accessible. In addition, there are no potential ethical and political limitations for EPSCs compared to embryonic stem cells. Similar to adipose-derived stem cells, EPSCs have been widely used in basic clinical studies and regenerative medicine.Materials & Methods: In this study, human skin stem cells isolated, cultured and expanded to passage three. Immunofluorescent staining carried out using anti β-integrin monoclonal antibody and FITC-conjugated secondary antibody. To evaluate the differential potential of the isolated EPSCs, osteogenic and adipogenic induction media were utilized and alizarin red and oil red staining were used to stain the treated cells. Furthermore, neural differentiation potential of the cells was examined using retinoic acid (RA) at the concentration of 5×10-7 mM. RA-treated cells evaluated by cresyl violet specific staining.Results: Initially, the expression of β-integrin in the isolated human skin stem cells proved by immunostaining. Osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potential of the cells confirmed by alizarin red and oil red staining, respectively. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis showed the expression of nestin (a neuroepithelial marker) and synaptophysin (a marker for mature functional neurons) by RA-treated cells. The nuclei were counterstained by DAPI and primary antibody was removed as negative control for immunostaining.Conclusion: In the present study, the epidermal stem cells from human skin were successfully isolated, cultured and expanded to passage three. Furthermore, the cells were able to show osteogenic, adipogenic and neurogenic differentiation potential as confirmed by various methods.