This volume discusses methods for the study of multipotent and pluripotent stem cells of the hair follicle. The stem cells described are involved in both the growth of the hair follicle and its production of the hair shaft, as well as the growth of the hair follicle sensory nerve. Multipotent Stem Cells of the Hair Follicle: Methods and Protocols also explores very unexpected results such as that of the hair follicle-associated-pluripotent (HAP) stem cells, which not only have the capability for regenerating the hair follicle sensory nerve, but also can differentiate ex vivo and in vivo to multiple cell types not associated with the hair follicle-these include glial cells, motor neurons, and beating cardiac muscle cells. The potential for HAP stem cells for regenerative medicine is also discussed in detail. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Cutting-edge and thorough, Multipotent Stem Cells of the Hair Follicle: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers interested in this field.