A new study suggests that scientists may be able to use appendage-derived stem cells to make wounds and burns heal much faster. In a paper published in the journal Burns & Trauma, lead author Dr. Sha Huang describes the potential of using stem cells from skin appendages from skin to significantly speed up the healing process.

Human skin is responsible for many critical functions necessary for human survival, including regulating body temperature and protecting the body against pathogens. Human skin stem cells are very active and are constantly producing new cells and repairing the epidermis.

Scientists have been trying to harness the regenerative potential of skin cells for a number of years. Skin stem cells are already used to generate induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are being used in hundreds of research projects.

This new research looks at skin appendage-derived stem cells, which are found in the epidermis and skin appendages. These stem cells participate in the repair processes of the epidermis, restoring tissue integrity after an injury. Scientists know far less about this type of stem cell compared to epidermis-derived stem cells, which are found in greater numbers within the skin.

Because stem cells from skin appendages are less common, they are harder to study. However, this new research demonstrates that this type of stem cell is quite important for repairing the skin and may play a crucial role in wound healing.

If scientists can learn more about this type of stem cell, they may learn precisely how wounds heal and how to speed up the repair processes of the skin.

Source: Stem cells from skin appendages: hopeful for healing wounds

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