Culture Strategy Determines the Differentiation Status of Sweat Gland Cells

October 2025 in “ Cells ”

Henri De Koninck, Karel Ferland, Martin A. Barbier, Danielle Larouche, Lucie Germain

sweat gland cells eccrine sweat gland tissue-engineered skin substitutes 2D monolayers 3D spheroids cell expansion SGC-specific markers differentiation status

Studysummary This study found that while 3D spheroid culture preserved sweat gland cell-specific markers better than 2D culture, their growth and structural organization were suboptimal, highlighting the need for improved culture systems. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This study investigates the differentiation status of sweat gland cells (SGCs) using different culture strategies, focusing on 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids. An optimized protocol for isolating SGCs was developed, enhancing cell yield and purity. In 2D culture, SGCs expanded but lost specific markers, indicating a shift to less differentiated phenotypes. Conversely, 3D spheroids preserved SGC-specific markers but showed suboptimal growth. Transitioning SGCs from 2D to 3D did not restore their native phenotype, highlighting the need for improved culture systems to maintain SGC identity. The study underscores the importance of culture conditions for integrating functional sweat glands into tissue-engineered skin substitutes for clinical applications.

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