Epidermal Structure Created by Canine Hair Follicle Keratinocytes Enriched with Bulge Cells in a Three-Dimensional Skin Equivalent Model In Vitro: Implications for Regenerative Therapy of Canine Epidermis

The study investigated the potential of keratinocytes enriched with bulge cells from canine hair follicles to create interfollicular epidermis in a three-dimensional skin equivalent model in vitro. Using keratinocytes from four healthy beagle dogs, the researchers cultured these cells on a dermal equivalent containing canine fibroblasts. After 10-14 days, the resulting keratinocyte sheets formed an interfollicular epidermal structure with four to five cell layers and a horny layer. Various immunoreactivities were detected, indicating the presence of key epidermal proteins. The findings suggested that bulge stem cell-enriched keratinocytes could effectively form interfollicular epidermis, presenting a promising approach for regenerative therapy of canine skin.