Aging

We use primary epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, ex vivo organ culture of human hair follicles, and human full thickness skin and humanized mouse in vivo models to investigate whether compounds/formulations (also via topical application) inhibit hair or skin aging and protect from experimentally-induced aging/senescence (e.g. UV irradiation, H2O2). Specifically, as standardized readout parameters, we evaluate the following by immunohistology/quantitative (immuno-)histomorphometry, and in situ zymography (for details on our techniques, please click here):

• Epidermal keratinocyte proliferation and apoptosis
• Expression and activity of enzymes degrading extracellular matrix components
• Expression and organization of extracellular matrix components (e.g. dermal collagen)
• Expression and organization of the major component of fibrillin-rich microfibrils
• Expression of transcription factors involved in aging and mitochondrial biogenesis
• Expression and activity of senescence associated proteins and enzymes
• Expression and activity of proteins and enzymes involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism, including mitochondrial biogenesis, mitochondrial DNA synthesis, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation

In addition, using RNAseq, qRT-PCR, and/or in situ hybridization, we can analyze the expression of molecules involved in hair and skin aging, and assess these within specific compartments from skin or hair tissue sections following laser capture microdissection.

Additional readout parameters are available, and customized experiments can be designed to meet the needs of our customers.