Стволовые клетки эпидермиса. Лекция: АНАТОМИЯ И КЛЕТОЧНАЯ БИОЛОГИЯ В ПРАКТИЧЕСКОЙ МЕДИЦИНЕ

Тимофей Иванович  Миронов; Полина Эдуардовна  Самарина; Елена Дмитриевна  Королькова; Анна Олеговна  Дробинцева

doi:10.56871/RBR.2026.28.97.009

Epidermal stem cells. Lecture

ANATOMY AND CELL BIOLOGY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

Timofey I. Mironov Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2057-4525
Polina E. Samarina Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9173-1414
Elena D. Korolkova Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4184-6446
Anna O. Drobinsteva Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6833-6243

Keywords:

skin epidermis regeneration stem cells кожа эпидермис регенерация стволовые клетки

Abstract

The skin is the largest organ, comprising up to 20% of body weight; its barrier function is ensured by constant renewal. Skin stem cells maintain homeostasis, hair regeneration, and wound healing. Several types of stem cells are found in the skin: those of the interfollicular epidermis, hair follicle (bulge, isthmus, infundibulum), sebaceous and sweat glands. The formation of the stem cells pool begins in embryogenesis, laying the foundation for regeneration in adulthood. Epidermal renewal has long been explained by stochastic (random self-renewal) and hierarchical (rare stem cells divisions → transit-amplifying cells) models. Recent single-cell sequencing data have led to a linear-hierarchical model with multiple progenitor states. The hair follicle cycles through anagen (growth), catagen (degeneration), and telogen (rest). A telescopic model of its development has been proposed. Human hair restoration differs from the mouse, including signs of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The follicle niche contains melanocyte stem cells that provide pigmentation; their pool is replenished by cells returning from the transit-amplifying state. Aged melanocytes, through osteopontin, stimulate the activity of neighbouring hair follicle stem cells. Sweat gland stem cells (mainly eccrine) are less studied. In embryogenesis, multipotent stem cells giving rise to myoepithelial and secretory cells have been identified in the ducts. In adults, ducts renew rapidly (like the epidermis), whereas the secretory coil renews much more slowly. Disruption of the balance between quiescence, self-renewal, and differentiation of epidermal stem cells leads to pool exhaustion, poor wound healing, and skin pathologies. Modulating molecular pathways to enhance the regenerative potential of stem cells holds promise for treating wounds, age-related changes, hair restoration, and in cosmetology.

Author Biographies

Timofey I. Mironov, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Cand. Sci. (Biol.), Associate Professor of the Department of Histology and Embryology named after Professor A.G. Knorre

Polina E. Samarina, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

5th year student of the Faculty of Medicine, specialty “Medical Biophysics”; Laboratory Assistant, Department of Histology and Embryology named after Professor A.G. Knorre; Laboratory Assistant Department of General Hygiene

Elena D. Korolkova, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Senior Laboratory Assistant, Department of Histology and Embryology named after Professor A.G. Knorre

Anna O. Drobinsteva, Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Cand. Sci. (Biol.), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Histology and Embryology named after Professor A.G. Knorre

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Epidermal stem cells. Lecture: ANATOMY AND CELL BIOLOGY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE. (2026). Russian Biomedical Research, 11(2), 88-94. https://doi.org/10.56871/RBR.2026.28.97.009

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