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Updated: May 7, 2026

Human Ex vivo Wound Model and Whole-Mount Staining Approach to Accurately Evaluate Skin Repair
Published on: February 17, 2021
The matricellular protein periostin contributes to proper collagen function and is downregulated during skin aging
M Egbert1, M Ruetze2, M Sattler1
1Research & Development, Beiersdorf AG, Unnastr. 48, 20245 Hamburg, Germany.
Background:
Periostin is a secreted 90kDa matricellular protein, which is predominantly expressed in collagen-rich tissues. Collagen is the most abundant protein in mammals and has great tensile strength. Recent investigations have shown that periostin influences collagen fibrillogenesis and biomechanical properties of murine connective tissues.
Objective:
We investigated the function of periostin concerning collagen homeostasis during intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging. For this purpose, human skin samples of young and old donors as well as samples of photoaged and sun-protected skin areas were analyzed for periostin expression. Using in vitro models, we determined the cell types responsible for periostin expression and performed functional analyses with periostin knockdown cells.
Methods:
TaqMan Real-Time PCR, UV irradiation, knockdown experiments, immunostaining, electron microscopy, collagen degradation assay, collagen crosslink analysis.
Results:
Periostin expression is highest in the papillary dermis and downregulated during skin aging. Fibroblasts and non-follicular skin derived precursors were identified as main source for periostin expression in human skin. Periostin knockdown in fibroblasts has no effect on collagen expression, but results in an increased fibril diameter and aberrant collagen structure. This leads to an increased susceptibility of collagen toward proteases, whereas recombinant periostin protects collagen fibrils from degradation.
Conclusion:
Our data show that periostin plays an important role for proper collagen assembly and homeostasis. During skin aging periostin expression decreases and contributes to the phenotype of aged skin.
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