scientists have identified a protein that acts as a regulator and prevent skin stem cells from maturing into epidermal, sebaceous or hair cells.

"When we compared the list of genes that Tcf3 repressed or induced, we found that it was very similar to the genes expressed when the skin is embryonic," said Nguyen. "So, by turning on Tcf3, we were essentially reverting the postnatal skin cells to be more similar to embryonic skin cells. The genetic program induced by Tcf3 is also very similar to that seen in bulge cells, where adult stem cells are thought to reside," she said.

Authors say this finding could have important implications for scientists trying to grow stem cells in the lab, for both research and potential therapies. Read more from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute or the article published in the Oct 5 issue of Cell.

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