Design of an In Vitro Skin 3D Model Mimicking a Disruption of the Barrier Function

This study developed a 3D in vitro model of Reconstructed Epidermis (RE) to mimic disrupted barrier function using normal human keratinocytes. The model was treated with 0.02% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) to induce stress, and transcriptomic analysis revealed 929 genes significantly modulated in stressed RE compared to control, with 473 down-regulated and 456 up-regulated. These changes mirrored those in subjects with disrupted barrier function, highlighting 6 over-represented pathways: inflammation, epidermis development, adhesion system, lipids metabolism, defense system, and transport system. The expression of 9 key biomarkers was validated, suggesting the model's potential as a tool for screening therapeutic molecules to repair barrier function.