Molecular and cellular basis of regeneration and tissue repair: Skin stem and progenitor cells: Using regeneration as a tissue-engineering strategy

A. D. Metcalfe*, M. W J Ferguson

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cell plasticity and mesenchymal-epithelial interactions are regarded as a hallmark of embryonic development and are not believed to occur extensively in the adult. Recently, adult mesenchymal stem cells were reported to differentiate in culture into a variety of mature cell types, including epithelial cells. Progress in stem and progenitor cell biology and recognition of the unique properties of such cells may enable intelligent bioengineering design of replacement skin which allows regeneration to occur in vivo. Ideally, a scaffold-free environment which stimulates skin stem cells in situ to initiate cell signals that result in regeneration rather than scar formation is required. Various skin progenitor cell types are considered along with the signalling cascades that they affect. We also discuss a mammalian model of scar-free regeneration. Many of these mechanisms, if fully understood, could be harnessed after injury to perfectly restore the skin. (Part of a Multi-author Review)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)24-32
Number of pages9
JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences
Volume65
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2008

Keywords

  • Fibrocyte
  • MRL
  • Regeneration
  • Scarring
  • Skin
  • Stem cells
  • TGF-β
  • Tissue engineering

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Medicine
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology

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