The Three-Dimensional Human Skin Reconstruct Model: A Tool to Study Normal Skin and Melanoma Progression

The study highlighted the limitations of 2D monocultures and mouse models in skin biology research due to differences in cellular architecture between mouse and human skin. It emphasized the advantages of 3D human skin reconstruct models, which allowed for more accurate investigations of cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions. These models included a dermis with fibroblasts in a collagen I matrix and an epidermis with stratified keratinocytes, separated by a functional basement membrane. The 3D models successfully mimicked melanocyte homeostasis and melanoma progression, with melanocytes and melanoma cells exhibiting characteristics similar to those in vivo. Additionally, the discovery of dermal stem cells capable of differentiating into melanocytes was noted.