Here we show our method to isolate mouse epidermal neural crest stem cells (EPI-NCSC). Technique involves micro-dissecting whisker follicles, isolating the bulge and placeing it into tissue culture. EPI-NCSC start to emigrate from bulge explants onto the substratum within 3 – 4 days.
Dissection of the Bulge from Adult Mouse Whisker Follicles
Culture of bulge Explants
By virtue of their migratory ability, EPI-NCSC can be isolated as a highly pure population of stem cells, which can be expanded in vitro. As embryonic remnants in an adult location, EPI-NCSC are potentially attractive candidates for future cell replacement therapies, biomedical engineering and/or regenerative medicine. We have tested EPI-NCSC in a mouse model of spinal cord injury, where they show desirable traits. Through gene expression profiling by LongSAGE (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo, series number GSE4680) we showed that, as expected, embryonic neural crest cells and EPI-NCSC share a similar gene expression pattern that differs from that of neighboring epidermal stem cells and other skin resident stem cells/progenitors.
Supported by: USPHS grant NS38500, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, USA; Biomedical Technology Alliance of Southeastern Wisconsin, Milwauke, WI, USA; Bryon Riesch Paralysis Foundation, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Fraternal Order of Eagles, Midwest Chapter, USA; National Spinal Cord Injury Association, Milwaukee Chapter, USA; North East England Stem Cell Institute, Newcastle University, UK.