Question

How was the hair follicle stem cell niche first identified? [1 mark]
A through surgical removal of different regions of the hair follicle
B by exploiting the property of slow cycling stem cells
C by disruption of hair follicle genes in the mouse model
D through the use of antibody staining against stem cell markers
E by computer modelling of regenerating skin

Answer 1

How was the hair follicle stem cell niche first identified ?

Answer : - By exploiting the property of slow cycling stem cells

Hair follicle stem cells exist in different sites. Most of the hair follicle stem cells are reside in niche called bulge.
Bulge region is located between the opening of sebaceous gland and the attachment site of the arrector pili muscle.

Function :

Cells of the stem-cell niche interact with the stem cells to maintain them or promote their differentiation.

Types of hair follicle niche cells

1. haematopoietic stem cells
2. intestinal stem cells
3. skin stem cells
4. mammary gland
5. neural stem cell niches