Small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells enhance perineurial cell proliferation and migration via the TGF-β/SMAD/HAS2 pathway

Quick Facts

  • Publication title: Small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells enhance perineurial cell proliferation and migration via the TGF-β/SMAD/HAS2 pathway
  • Journal: Neural Regen Res
  • Year: 2025
  • DOI: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-25-00127
  • PMID/PMCID: 40903975; PMC12694726

Research overview

The present study therefore focuses on small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells, which preserve the bioactive properties of the parent cells while avoiding the transplantation-associated risks. These results provide new insights into peripheral nerve regeneration from the perspective of perineurial cells, and present a novel approach for the clinical treatment of peripheral nerve defects.

Key findings

03/01300535-202605000-00040/figure1/v/2025-10-21T121913Z/r/image-tiff Peripheral nerve defect repair is a complex process that involves multiple cell types; perineurial cells play a pivotal role.

Hair follicle neural crest stem cells promote perineurial cell proliferation and migration via paracrine signaling; however, their clinical applications are limited by potential risks such as tumorigenesis and xenogeneic immune rejection, which are similar to the risks associated with other stem cell transplantations.

The present study therefore focuses on small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells, which preserve the bioactive properties of the parent cells while avoiding the transplantation-associated risks.

In vitro, small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, tube formation, and barrier function of perineurial cells, and subsequently upregulated the expression of tight junction proteins.

Echo Biotech Role

Echo Biotech contributed cargo loading; the study also used or cited ExoLoad®.

Related platforms: Echosome®, Research Reagents & Tools

Related services and capabilities: Small RNA / Cargo Loading, Research Reagent / Product Supply

Related products or reagents: ExoLoad® Nucleic Acid Loading Kit

References

Original publication: Small extracellular vesicles derived from hair follicle neural crest stem cells enhance perineurial cell proliferation and migration via the TGF-β/SMAD/HAS2 pathway Neural regeneration research. 2025. DOI: 10.4103/NRR.NRR-D-25-00127. PMID/PMCID: 40903975; PMC12694726.