Researchers find stem cells that help nails regenerate

Researchers have discovered the stem cells that
allow your nails to grow back after you lose
them.
Using mouse nail cells, University of Southern

California scientists identified stem cells that can
perform two roles. In normal conditions, the
stem cells assist in the growth of both the nails
and nearby skin.
However, if a nail is damaged or destroyed, the
stem cells focus exclusively on nail repair,
according to the study.
“That was a very surprising discovery, since the
dual characteristic of these nail stem cells to
regenerate both the nail and skin under certain
physiological conditions is quite unique and
different from other skin stem cells, such as
those of the hair follicle or sweat gland,”
principal investigator Krzysztof Kobielak said in a
university news release.
The researchers wonder if it might be possible to
get these nail stem cells to produce other types
of tissue.
If so, it could lead to new ways to help people
with everything from nail and finger defects to
severe skin injuries and amputations.
Findings from the study were published online
recently in the Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences.

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