Human Hair Follicular Keratinocytes

The hair follicle regulates hair growth via a complex interaction between hormones, neuropeptides and immune cells. Hair follicles are self-renewing structures that cycle and regenerate throughout life. They also provide a critical niche for keratinocyte stem cells. The interplay between keratinocytes and the underlying mesenchyme are critical for hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling. Several key developmental pathways are involved in determining follicular keratinocyte fate as well as the differentiation into several distinct cellular layers of the follicle during the growth phase of hair. Studies indicate that Human Hair Follicular Keratinocytes are distinct from epidermal keratinocytes in proliferative capacity and CD34 expression.