Abstract
Melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) are a crucial melanocyte reservoir within the hair follicle niche. This review provides an overview of the processes for McSC quiescence and activation. Because McSCs closely interact with hair follicle stem cells, we have focused on this interaction. Given the high prevalence of hair graying, the McSC system serves as a model for cellular aging. Here, we highlight current research on the mechanisms of hair graying.
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Conceptualization: T.O., D.L.G. Writing: T.O., D.L.G., and M.I. Paper and Data analyses: T.O., M.C., S.H.L., and D.L.G. Review and editing: T.O., D.L.G., and M.I. Visualization: T.O.
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Ogawa, T., Chen, M., Lee, SH. et al. Dissecting the boundary of quiescence and activation of murine melanocyte stem cells in the hair follicle niche. npj Regen Med (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41536-026-00460-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41536-026-00460-3