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

The three-dimensional human skin reconstruct model was developed to better mimic human skin and study melanoma progression and dermal stem cell behavior, offering a more accurate alternative to traditional 2D models. It allowed for the observation of cell interactions and stage-specific melanoma behaviors, such as radial and vertical growth phases. The model also enabled dermal stem cells to differentiate into melanocytes and provided a platform for drug assessment, revealing that melanoma cells in 3D cultures often resisted drugs effective in 2D cultures. This model served as a valuable preclinical tool, bridging the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies and offering insights into gene function and stem cell roles in melanoma progression.