Sweat gland regeneration: Basic scientific problems and possible technical approaches

Abstract

The term ‘sweat gland regeneration’ refers to a new and expanding field in regenerative medicine research that focuses on the development of innovative therapies allowing the body to replace, restore and regenerate damaged or diseased sweat gland cells and tissues. It combines basic scientific theory and technological approaches including dedifferentiation, biomaterials, tissue engineering, stem cell transplantation and the reprogramming of cell and tissue types. Because of its importance for skin reconstitution in patients suffering from chronic wounds and extensive burns, sweat gland regeneration is becoming an rapidly developing field in regenerative medicine.