Wound healing

We use primary epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts, and the human full thickness skin “punch-in-a-punch” ex vivo model to investigate whether compounds/formulations (also via topical application) promote wound healing and skin regeneration. We have also established a novel pathological wound healing model that mimics chronic pathological conditions.

Specifically, as standardized readout parameters, we evaluate the following by migration assays, morphology, in situ zymography, and immunohistology/quantitative (immuno-)histomorphometry (for details on our techniques, please click here):

• Epidermal keratinocyte migration
• Release of enzymes degrading extracellular matrix components
• Expression of extracellular matrix components
• Macroscopic analysis of re-epithelialisation
• Length and area epithelial tongues (newly generated epidermis)
• Epidermal keratinocyte proliferation and apoptosis
• Wounding-associated keratin
• Number and activities of immune cells involved in wound healing
• Angiogenesis

In addition, using RNAseq, qRT-PCR, and/or in situ hybridization, we can analyze the expression of molecules involved in wound healing and skin regeneration, 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.