Hair follicles possible stem cell source

BUFFALO, N.Y., March 28 (UPI) -- University of Buffalo engineers said stem cells from hair follicles have the potential to be engineered into new blood vessels for bypass surgery.

The researchers said stem cells from sheep hair follicles contain the smooth muscle cells that grow new vasculature. Stem cells from human hair follicles also differentiate into contractile smooth muscle cells, the university said Friday in a release.

The findings are published in the journal Cardiovascular Research.

"Engineering blood vessels for bypass surgery, promoting the formation of new blood vessels or regenerating new skin tissue using stem cells obtained from the most accessible source -- hair follicles -- is a real possibility," Stelios T. Andreadis, an associate professor of chemical and biological engineering, said in a statement.