Equine Epidermis: A Source of Epithelial-Like Stem/Progenitor Cells with In Vitro and In Vivo Regenerative Capacities

The study demonstrated that equine epidermis contained epithelial-like stem/progenitor cells (EpSCs) with significant regenerative capacities. These cells, characterized by specific markers, showed self-renewal and differentiation potential into keratinocytes and adipocytes. In an in vivo experiment with six full-thickness skin wounds, those treated with EpSCs and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) exhibited better healing outcomes, including thinner dermis, restricted granulation tissue, increased vascularization, elastin content, and follicle-like structures, compared to wounds treated with PRP alone. This indicated that combining EpSCs with PRP could enhance tissue repair, suggesting their utility in therapeutic applications for equine wound healing and possibly other regenerative medicine fields.