Stem cell function

We use ex vivo organ culture of human hair follicles and human full thickness skin to investigate whether compounds/formulations (also via topical application) promote or inhibit stemness, differentiation, apoptosis, senescence/aging and/or epithelial-mesenchymal transition in stem cell compartments. Specifically, as standardized readout parameters, we evaluate the following by immunohistology/quantitative (immuno-)histomorphometry (for details on our techniques, please click here):

• Number of stem cells
• Expression of keratins associated with stemness
• Stem cell proliferation
• Stem cell apoptosis
• Epithelial phenotype in stem cells
• Stem cell damage
• Stem cell senescence/aging
• Epithelial mesenchymal transition in stem cells

In addition, using RNAseq, qRT-PCR, and/or in situ hybridization, we can analyse the expression of molecules involved in stem cell physiology, 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.