Environmental factors

We use human primary epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, 2D/3D cell models, and ex vivo organ culture of human hair follicles and human full thickness skin to investigate whether compounds/formulations (also via topical application) protect from environmental stressor-mediated damage. Specifically, as standardized readout parameters, we evaluate the following by colorimetric assays, and immunohistology/quantitative (immuno-) histomorphometry (for details on our techniques, please click here):

• Keratinocyte proliferation and apoptosis
• Number of sunburn cells (for UV only)
• Epidermal hyperplasia
• Skin and/or hair cytotoxicity
• DNA damage
• Immune cell activation
• Oxidative stress
• Expression and activation of redox enzymes or transcription factors
• Skin and/or hair physiology

In addition, using RNAseq, qRT-PCR and/or in situ hybridization, we can analyse the expression of molecules involved in UV-mediated damage, 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.