From Hair to Heart: Nestin-Expressing Hair-Follicle-Associated Pluripotent Stem Cells Differentiate to Beating Cardiac Muscle Cells

The study showed that hair-follicle-associated pluripotent (HAP) stem cells from mouse vibrissa hair follicles could differentiate into beating cardiac muscle cells, with the upper follicle part having the highest differentiation potential. These cardiac cells exhibited functional properties by responding to isoproterenol and propranolol. HAP stem cells also differentiated into neurons, glial cells, keratinocytes, and smooth muscle cells, indicating their versatility for regenerative medicine, particularly in heart disease and nerve repair. The study emphasized the accessibility and cryopreservation potential of HAP stem cells, suggesting their promise for therapeutic applications.