Progenitor cells expressing nestin, a neural crest stem cell marker, differentiate into outer root sheath keratinocytes.

Background: Nestin, which was originally described as a neural crest stem cell marker, is known to be expressed in bulge follicle cells of human, canine and murine anagen hairs. However, the capacity of nestin-expressing cells to differentiate into the components of the hair follicle or the epidermis has been insufficiently investigated.

Hypothesis/objectives: To determine whether nestin-expressing cells are capable of differentiating into keratinocytes.