Use of extracellular matrix hydrogel from human placenta to restore hair-inductive potential of dermal papilla cells

To explore the feasibility of human placenta extracellular matrix (HPECM) hydrogel in restoring the hair-inductive capacity of high-passaged (P8) dermal papilla cells (DPCs) for hair follicle regeneration. HPECM hydrogel was prepared following decellularization and enzymatic solubilization treatment. DPCs isolated from human scalp were cultured in 2D and 3D environments. The hair-inductive ability of DPCs was assessed by quantitative RT-PCR, immunofluorescence staining, immunoblotting and patch assay. DPCs (P8) formed spheres when cultured on the HPECM hydrogel. The expression levels of Versican, ALP, and -catenin were restored in the DP spheres. HPECM hydrogel-cultured DP spheres co-grafted with newborn mouse epidermal cells regenerated new hair follicle. HPECM hydrogel successfully restores the hair-inductive capacity of high-passaged DPCs.