Scientists have identified a potential new source of multipotent adult stem cells: hair follicles.

The mutipotent stem cells grow as masses the investigators call hair spheres. After growing the "raw" cells from the hair spheres in different types of growth factors, the investigators were able to differentiate the stem cells into multiple lineages, including nerve cells, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes (skin pigment cells).

The researchers are now conducting tests using animal models. If proven safe and effective, researchers say these hair follicle-derived stem cells may be useful in treating diseases such as peripheral nerve disease, Parkinson's disease, and spinal cord injury. For mor details, read the press release from the Univ. of Pennsylvania. The study was published in the July issue of the American Journal of Pathology (see abstract here).

[Photo: Univ Penn]