Neurobiology

We use human neural progenitor cell culture, ex vivo organ culture of human hair follicles, human full thickness skin, and a completely humanized human skin-re-innervation model. We investigate the effect of cutaneous innervation and neuromediators on hair follicle and skin physiology and pathology and whether compounds/drugs/formulations (also via topical application) regulate cutaneous innervation, and/or neurogenic inflammation, or protect from experimental induced neurogenic inflammation. Our human re-innervated skin organ culture model can be utilized also for studies relating to sensitive skin, and itch associated with atopic dermatitis or psoriasis.
Specifically, as standardized readout parameters, we evaluate the following by immunohistology/quantitative (immuno-) histomorphometry (please click here).

• Maturation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells
• Expression of neuromediators and corresponding receptors
• Release of neuromediators
• Expression of neuromodulation-specific channels and proteins associated with mechanotransduction, and neuromediator production and release from nerve fibers
• Expression of markers associated with cutaneous nerve fiber subtypes (myelinated, unmyelinated, peptidergic, non-peptidergic)
• Regulation of skin and hair follicle physiology

In addition, using RNAseq, qRT-PCR, and/or in situ hybridization, we can analyze the expression of molecules involved in cutaneous innervation, and/or neurogenic inflammation, and assess these within specific compartments from skin or hair tissue sections following laser capture microdissection. We also assess release of neuromediators by using the culture medium and proteomic analysis.

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