Transcriptional profile of in vitro expanded human epidermal progenitor cells for the treatment of non-healing wounds

Human epithelium is continuously renewing tissue, characterized with high regenerative potential. This feature is connected mainly to the presence of stem cells putatively located in the stratum basale of the epidermis and in a bulge region of the hair follicle [1–3]. Both, the slow-cycling epidermal stem cells and more rapidly cycling committed epidermal progenitor cells (EPCs), play an important role in skin homeostasis and chronic wounds pathogenesis [4,5]. The wounds, which do not undergo spontaneous healing, known as non-healing wounds, are found in approximately 2-4% of the world population and are a serious clinical, social and psychological concern [6,7].