Researchers Report Findings on Use of Stem Cells from Hair Follicles

United Press International: Hair follicles possible stem cell source:

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.