Development of regenerative therapy for burns and refractory ulcers using follicular epithelial stem cells

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K16917
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 56070:Plastic and reconstructive surgery-related
• Research Institution: Jichi Medical University
• Principal Investigator: Kato Harunosuke 自治医科大学, 医学部, 非常勤講師 (30444087)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 再生医療

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Autologous cultured epidermis using basal keratinocytes is covered by insurance as an epithelialization regenerative therapy for patients with severe burns. However, the cultured epidermis of basal keratinocytes is fragile and cannot wholly epithelialize third-degree burns. It is also not indicated for ulcers, worse conditions than burns. This is mainly due to the limited ability of the material, basal keratinocytes. Therefore, to provide more effective treatment for patients with severe burns and refractory ulcers, there is an urgent need to develop a treatment that can rapidly close wounds with an epithelial regeneration capacity that exceeds that of current treatments. This study suggests that follicular epithelial stem cells in the bulb region are highly effective in wound healing.

Free Research Field

再生医療

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

広範囲重症熱傷や難治性潰瘍により失った表皮をより迅速に回復させる方法の開発は、非常に重要である。本研究では、現在保険診療で用いられている表皮角化細胞の培養表皮を改良する方策として、より治療効果が高いことが期待される毛包上皮幹細胞による創傷治癒効果を検証した。