Understanding Stem Cells and Hair Growth: MSCs vs. MPCs Explained
Research
Understanding Stem Cells and Hair Growth: MSCs vs. MPCs Explained
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) help keep existing hair follicles healthier, while the more primitive mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) are better at helping form new blood vessels. Neither can create new follicles in humans or bring back a follicle that is truly dead.
Key takeaways
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are versatile “builder cells” that can develop into bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle cells. They do not typically become hair follicles; they release growth factors and signals that support existing follicles.
- Mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) are earlier, more primitive “starter” cells that can give rise to MSCs. Their standout feature is a stronger ability to help form new blood vessels.
- No current stem cell therapy can create brand-new hair follicles in humans. MSCs and MPCs can support, protect, or reactivate existing follicles. PP405, currently in clinical trials, represents research aimed at reactivating dormant ones.
- If a follicle is truly dead, no therapy can bring it back. That is where hair transplantation remains the gold standard.
Stem cells are one of the most talked-about areas in medicine today. From tissue regeneration to hair loss and hair growth research, they’re often seen as the foundation for next-generation therapies. But not all stem cells are the same.
Two terms you may come across, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and Mesenchymal Precursor Cells (MPCs), are sometimes used interchangeably, but they aren’t identical. Understanding the differences helps make sense of treatments like PRP, exosome therapy, and new drugs under investigation such as PP405.
Why the distinction matters
This isn’t just an academic debate. It impacts real-world treatment options.
- MSCs are already in use in regenerative therapies, including PRP, exosomes, and ACell.
- MPCs are earlier, more primitive cells gaining attention for their unique properties, especially their ability to help form new blood vessels.
For example, PP405, currently in clinical trials, is designed to act on MPCs to help reawaken dormant hair follicles. If successful, it could open a new frontier in hair loss treatment.
What are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)?
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are versatile, multipotent cells. That means they can develop into many different tissue types, including:
- Bone cells (osteocytes)
- Cartilage cells (chondrocytes)
- Fat cells (adipocytes)
- Muscle cells (myocytes)
Often called the body’s “builder cells,” MSCs replace or repair damaged tissue and can self-renew, dividing to create more stem cells like themselves.
Where do mesenchymal stem cells come from?
MSCs are found in many places, especially:
- Bone marrow
- Fat tissue (adipose)
- Umbilical cord blood
How do mesenchymal stem cells relate to hair follicles and hair growth?
MSCs don’t typically become hair follicles themselves. Instead, they release growth factors and signals that:
- Improve the follicle environment (blood flow, reduced inflammation)
- Support follicle stem cells already in the scalp
- Help keep existing follicles healthier and extend the growth (anagen) phase
That’s why MSC-based therapies like PRP and exosomes are sometimes used in hair restoration: they aim to nourish or support follicles, not create brand-new ones.
What are mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs)?
Mesenchymal Precursor Cells (MPCs) are more primitive, “starter” cells. They sit earlier in the cell hierarchy and can give rise to MSCs.
Their standout feature is stronger angiogenic potential. They’re better at helping form new blood vessels, which is vital for follicle health and regeneration.
MPCs are usually found in connective tissues, often isolated from bone marrow.
How do mesenchymal precursor cells relate to hair follicles and hair growth?
Because they promote blood vessel growth, MPCs may create the ideal environment for dormant follicles to restart activity. That’s why drugs like PP405 are being studied to target MPCs in hopes of reactivating follicles that still exist but are “asleep.”
Can stem cells create new follicles?
Here’s the honest truth:
- No current stem cell therapy can create brand-new hair follicles in humans.
- MSCs and MPCs can support, protect, or reactivate existing follicles, but they don’t generate new ones where none exist.
- Experimental research (often in mice) suggests it might one day be possible to bioengineer or clone follicles using stem cell technology, but that’s still very early science, not available in clinics.
For now, stem cell therapies are about improving the follicle environment and rescuing dormant follicles, not making new ones.
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MSCs vs. MPCs: quick comparison
| Feature | Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) | Mesenchymal Precursor Cells (MPCs) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Versatile “builder cells” that can develop into many tissue types (bone, cartilage, fat, muscle) | More primitive “starter cells” that give rise to MSCs and may support blood vessel formation |
| Self-renewal | Can multiply while maintaining ability to become other cell types | Earlier in the chain; limited self-renewal, feed into MSCs |
| Where found (origin) | Bone marrow, fat tissue, umbilical cord blood, and others | Various connective tissues, often isolated from bone marrow |
| Angiogenic potential | Limited; mainly tissue repair and differentiation | Strong ability to help form new blood vessels |
| Special feature | Defined by lab markers and ability to stick to culture plates | Known for primitive nature and ability to form blood vessels |
| Examples | PRP, Exosomes, ACell | PP405 (currently in trials) |
Recap
- MSCs are versatile workhorses already used in regenerative therapies.
- MPCs are earlier, more primitive cells with special potential, especially in blood vessel growth.
- PP405 represents cutting-edge research aimed at reactivating dormant hair follicles.
As the science develops, we’ll better understand how these different cells can be used in medicine, and in the future of hair restoration.
What does this mean for hair loss patients?
For patients, this distinction isn’t just scientific jargon. It explains why some treatments exist today while others are still being studied:
- Today’s therapies like PRP, exosomes, and ACell are based on MSCs. Results vary, they are not permanent cures, and Advanced Hair Restoration® does not recommend PRP or exosome therapy.
- Tomorrow’s possibilities may come from MPC-targeting drugs like PP405. Because MPCs are more primitive and support blood vessel growth, they could one day “wake up” dormant follicles in ways today’s treatments cannot.
Key takeaway
If a follicle is truly dead, no therapy can bring it back. That’s where hair transplantation remains the gold standard. But for dormant follicles, MSC- and MPC-based therapies could expand treatment options in the future.
Questions patients ask
Stem cells and hair growth questions
What is the difference between MSCs and MPCs?
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are versatile, multipotent “builder cells” that can develop into many tissue types, including bone, cartilage, fat, and muscle cells, and they can self-renew. Mesenchymal precursor cells (MPCs) are more primitive “starter” cells: they sit earlier in the cell hierarchy and can give rise to MSCs. The standout feature of MPCs is stronger angiogenic potential, meaning they are better at helping form new blood vessels, which is vital for follicle health and regeneration.
How do mesenchymal stem cells relate to hair growth?
MSCs do not typically become hair follicles themselves. Instead, they release growth factors and signals that improve the follicle environment (blood flow, reduced inflammation), support the follicle stem cells already in the scalp, and help keep existing follicles healthier and extend the growth (anagen) phase. The aim is to nourish or support follicles, not to create brand-new ones.
Can stem cells create new hair follicles?
No current stem cell therapy can create brand-new hair follicles in humans. MSCs and MPCs can support, protect, or reactivate existing follicles, but they do not generate new ones where none exist. Experimental research, often in mice, suggests it might one day be possible to bioengineer or clone follicles using stem cell technology, but that is still very early science and not available in clinics.
Can stem cell therapy bring back a dead hair follicle?
No. If a follicle is truly dead, no therapy can bring it back, and that is where hair transplantation remains the gold standard. Stem cell therapies aim to improve the follicle environment and rescue dormant follicles, not to make new ones. In the future, MSC- and MPC-based therapies could expand treatment options for those dormant follicles.
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