Latest

melanocyte stem cells

·April 19, 2023·5 min read

Turning Gray: Stuck Stem Cells Turn Hair Gray

A new study sheds light on why we tend to go gray as we age. Researchers found melanocyte stem cells get stuck as we grow older, losing the ability to grow and maintain natural hair color. The team's next move is to investigate a means of restoring the motility of melanocyte stem cells or physically moving them back to their germ compartment in order to naturally restore hair color.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Psychology

·January 22, 2020·5 min read

How stress causes gray hair

Study reveals a link between the nervous system and stem cells that regenerate pigment in hair follicles. When stressed, norepinephrine from the sympathetic nervous system causes melanocyte stem cells to activate excessively. The stem cells all convert into pigment-producing cells, prematurely depleting the reservoir. The findings explain the cellular and molecular links between stress and premature hair graying.

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 6, 2019·5 min read

Pigment-producing stem cells can regenerate myelin sheath: Mouse study

Skin-related stem cells may be key to helping restore the myelin sheath in patients with multiple sclerosis. Using mouse models, researchers discovered melanocyte stem cells can, under the right conditions, function as cells that create myelin.

This shows the myelin regrowth on neurons

Featured Genetics Neurology Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·April 25, 2019·3 min read

Stem cells from hair follicles have potential to repair myelin sheath in mice

Melanocyte stem cells from human hair follicles that carry CD34 have the ability to turn into glial cells. The CD34+ stem cells can regenerate myelin, both on neurons and in mouse models with a genetic defect that prevents the formation of healthy myelin sheaths. The findings could have positive implications for the treatment of demyelinating diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis.

Featured Genetics Neuroscience Open Neuroscience Articles

·May 4, 2018·3 min read

Gray Hair Linked to Immune System and Viral Infection

Researchers have identified a link between the immune system, viral infection and premature hair graying. The study reports mice who went prematurely gray produced unusually high amounts of MITF, a protein that is responsible for releasing interferons, which help to fight viral infections. This suggests genes responsible for controlling pigmentation also work to control the immune system.