Cell Specification
The outer root sheath (ORS) of the hair follicle surrounds the hair fiber and inner root sheath. It is distinct from other epidermal components being continuous with the surface epidermis. The ORS consists of several layers of cells that can be identified with unique ultrastructural properties; plays a part in certain function of the hair follicle which including acts as the sensory organ and immunologic sentinel of the skin. Immunohistochemical staining indicates that the ORS contains nestin-expressing progenitor or stem cells [1]. Human outer root sheath cells represent a repeatedly available source of keratinocytes which can be easily and extensively expanded in culture [2].

HHFORSC from ScienCell Research Laboratories are isolated from human hair follicle ourter root sheath. HHFORSC are cryopreserved at primary culture and delivered frozen. Each vial contains >5 x 10⁵ cells in 1 ml volume. HHFORSC are characterized by their mesenchymal cell morphology and immunofluorescent method with antibody to fibronectin and CD105. HHFORSC are negative for HIV-1, HBV, HCV, mycoplasma, bacteria, yeast and fungi. HHFORSC are guaranteed to further expand for 15 population doublings at the condition provided by ScienCell Research Laboratories.

Recommended Medium
It is recommended to use Mesenchymal Stem Cell Medium (MSCM, Cat. No. 7501) for the culturing of HHFORSC in vitro.

Product Use
HHFORSC are for research use only. It is not approved for human or animal use, or for application in in vitro diagnostic procedures.

Storage
Directly and immediately transfer cells from dry ice to liquid nitrogen upon receiving and keep the cells in liquid nitrogen until cell culture needed for experiments.

Shipping
Dry ice.

Reference
[1] Li, L., Mignone, J., Yang, M., Matic, M., Penman, S., Enikolopov, G. and Moffman, R. (2003) Nestin expression in hair follicle sheath progenitor cells. PNAS 100:9958-9961.
[2]. Limat, A., Breitkreutz, D., Thiekoetter, G., Klein, C.E., Braathen, L.R., Hunziker, T., Fusenig, N.E. (1995) Formation of a regular neo-epidermis by cultured human outer root sheath cells grafted on nude mice. Transplantation. 59:1032-8.