Mouse pigment cells that darken after UV exposure can turn back into stem cells and keep making color for up to two years.
Scientific Claim
Melanocyte stem cells in mice that undergo UVB-induced pigmentation are associated with the ability to dedifferentiate and regenerate pigment-producing cells for at least two years.
Original Statement
“Two years after UVB irradiation, comparable numbers of tdTomato+ McSCs were observed in the HG and pigment was absent... tdTomato+ McSCs remained competent to generate bulb MCs capable of hair pigmentation following depilation-induced HF regeneration.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design cannot support claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
Uses 'associated with' and specifies the two-year timeframe, avoiding causal language while including specific duration data.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Dedifferentiation maintains melanocyte stem cells in a dynamic niche