A review of the contribution of hair follicle bulge stem cells to skin repair.

What is it about?

Many groups have shown that bulge stems are directly involved in repair of the epidermis, though the work of others finds no involvement. In this review we summarise the knowledge in this field and show how differences in study design may explain why studies have reached opposing conclusions.

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Why is it important?

Hair follicles are one potential source of stem cells that could be given to promote skin repair. The transplantation of whole hair follicles into chronic wounds is already being trialled, so it is important to have a better understanding of how these cells are involved during wound healing.