Development of Pigmented Reconstructed Human Epidermis Model Containing Human Melanoblasts from Keratinocyte Culture
April 2019
in “
Journal of Investigative Dermatology
”
Studysummary This study reported that gain-of-function mutations in TRPV3 lead to hair loss in mice by disrupting inner root sheath keratinocyte differentiation, ultimately causing follicular keratinocyte stem cell exhaustion and permanent follicle disruption. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study detailed the creation of a pigmented reconstructed human epidermis model that incorporated human melanoblasts obtained from keratinocyte cultures. Researchers used a 'calcium pulse' method to isolate melanoblasts, which led to an increased number of melanocytic cells. The models with melanoblasts demonstrated enhanced proliferation and a well-differentiated epidermis compared to those with only melanocytes. The study concluded that these models are useful for studying skin pigmentation and can be used as an alternative to animal testing.
