FBS Colloquia No.409Laboratory for Stem Cell Homeostasis

Analysis of the Maturation and Functional Acquisition of Hair Follicle Stem Cells

The homeostatic system of the adult hair follicle, maintained by hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs), is thought to be established during fetal development and inherited after birth. However, how HFSCs mature and acquire their functional properties after their initial formation remains unclear. We focus on the transition from HFSC formation to postnatal maturation and aim to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms. Our previous analyses suggest that postnatal HFSCs do not immediately function as fully competent stem cells, but instead gain their functions in a stepwise manner during maturation. We are currently identifying and validating candidate factors involved in the formation stage during fetal development and the maturation stage after birth. In this colloquium, we will present our findings and discuss future directions.