Skin barrier
We use primary epidermal keratinocytes, 2D/3D cell models, ex vivo human full thickness skin and humanized mouse in vivo models to investigate hydration and skin barrier defects and whether compounds/formulations (also via topical application) can reinforce the skin barrier. Specifically, as standardized readout parameters, we evaluate the following by immunohistology/quantitative (immuno-) histomorphometry (for our techniques, please click here).
- Epidermal thickness
- Defects on skin surface
- Diffusion of fluorescent dye through the skin
- Epidermal keratinocyte differentiation
- Expression of tight, and gap junctions
- Expression of aquaporins
- Expression of lipids
Now available: Nanotexture of corneocytes by atomic force microscopy.
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In addition, using qRT-PCR and/or in situ hybridization, we can analyse the expression of genes involved in skin barrier integrity, and assess these within specific compartments from skin tissue sections following laser capture microdissection.

Learn more
Our methodological approach for "analysing effects on barrier integrity ex vivo" download here
Selected publications
RiethmĂĽller et al., 2018, Hulshof et al., 2018, Soltanipoor et al., 2018, Engebretsen et al., 2018, Engebretsen et al., 2018
We also collaborate with various pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries in research projects that aim to identify novel targets and products for skin and hair follicle care and disorders.
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