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Aging, graying and loss of melanocyte stem cells STEM CELL REVIEWS Sarin, K. Y., Artandi, S. E. 2007; 3 (3): 212-217

Abstract

Hair graying is one of the prototypical signs of human aging. Maintenance of hair pigmentation is dependent on the presence and functionality of melanocytes, neural crest derived cells which synthesize pigment for growing hair. The melanocytes, themselves, are maintained by a small number of stem cells which reside in the bulge region of the hair follicle. The recent characterization of the melanocyte lineage during aging has significantly accelerated our understanding of how age-related changes in the melanocyte stem cell compartment contribute to hair graying. This review will discuss our current understanding of hair graying, drawing on evidence from human and mouse studies, and consider the contribution of melanocyte stem cells to this process. Furthermore, using the melanocyte lineage as an example, it will discuss common theories of tissue and stem cell aging.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s12015-007-0028-0

View details for Web of Science ID 000249929800004

View details for PubMedID 17917134