Advancing Skin Model Development: A Focus on a Self-Assembled, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived, Xeno-Free Approach

January 2024 in “ Journal of Tissue Engineering ”

Marla Dubau, Tarada Tripetchr, Lava Mahmoud, Vivian Kral, Burkhard Kleuser

induced pluripotent stem cells keratinocytes fibroblasts collagen epidermal layer dermal layer iPSC

Studysummary In this study, researchers developed self-assembled skin models derived from hair follicle cells, offering an ethical and reliable alternative to animal testing and bovine collagen in dermatological research by providing functional dermal and epidermal layers for substance evaluation.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study introduces a self-assembled skin model (SASM) using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from hair follicle-derived keratinocytes, developed in a xeno-free environment. This model successfully forms distinct epidermal and dermal layers, with iPSC-derived fibroblasts secreting collagen to create the dermis, and keratinocytes forming a stratified epidermis. The SASM demonstrates functional integrity by responding to sensitizing agents, indicating its potential for dermatological research. The approach addresses ethical concerns by eliminating animal-derived components and offers a reliable alternative for skin tissue engineering, aligning with efforts to reduce animal testing. The study highlights the role of L-ascorbic acid in enhancing fibroblast differentiation and collagen synthesis, underscoring the model's potential applications in regenerative medicine and therapeutic testing.

View this study on journals.sagepub.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

4 / 4 results

research Fibroblasts: Origins, Definitions, and Functions in Health and Disease

488 citations , July 2021 in “Cell”

This review discusses the development, lineages, functions, and roles of fibroblasts in fibrosis across four organs, highlighting their capabilities in tissue repair and contributions to fibrotic disorders when aberrantly activated, but it reports no new experimental findings.

research Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Line MUSIi006-A Derived from Hair Follicle Keratinocytes as a Non-Invasive Somatic Cell Source

7 citations , July 2018 in “Stem cell research”

This study reported that reprogramming keratinocytes from plucked hair provides an easy, non-invasive, and efficient method for generating pluripotent iPSCs without the need for medical professionals or operating rooms.

research Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From Human Hair Follicle Keratinocytes As A Potential Source For In Vitro Hair Follicle Cloning

18 citations , November 2016 in “PeerJ”

This study found that hair follicles can be used to generate pluripotent stem cells, which successfully differentiate into keratinocytes and may improve hair regeneration and grafting for medical applications.

research Differentiation of Mouse Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells into a Multipotent Keratinocyte Lineage

101 citations , December 2010 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This study reports the successful differentiation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells into keratinocytes that can regenerate skin and its structures in an in vivo environment.