Células precursoras dérmicasanálisis del origen, su rol fisiológico y posibles aplicaciones terapéuticas

Abstract

ABSTRACT The dermis contains numerous multipotent cell populations whose physiological role includes the generation of progeny involved in tissue homeostasis and wound healing. The experimental work presented here shows that neural and perivascular precursor cells from dermis originate, at least in part, from dedifferentiation of terminally differentiated Schwann and pericytes, their neural competence being dictated by Sox2 expression levels. Further, their modulation allows for interconversion of both cell types. This mechanism is extrapolated to other organs (heart) and species, and may thus reflect a widespread phenomenon. With regard to clinical application, dermal precursor cells mielinate axons in vitro in a process dependent on Sox2 levels. Once isolated and purified, p75NTR+CD56+ precursor cells could be promising candidates for cell replacement approaches in neurodegenerative disease. Finally, hair follicle minigraft transplantation ¿ hair follicles are intimately associated with these cell subpopulations- has been shown to be a viable therapeutic alternative for chronic leg ulcer healing. The procedure is safe, low cost and relatively simple and thus it can be adapted to primary care.