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).
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.
Our sister company QIMA Life Sciences provides also neuronal/glial cell isolation and culture from rat.
Additional readout parameters are available, and customized experiments can be designed to meet the needs of our customers.
Selected publications
Comprehensive & interdisciplinary expertise that covers the entire field of hair & skin research.
