Establishment and characterization of a reconstructed Chinese human epidermis model

In vitro reconstructed human epidermis is a powerful tool for both basic research and industrial applications in dermatology, pharmacology and the cosmetic field.

By growing keratinocytes of Chinese origin on a collagen matrix after a submerged culture followed by an air-liquid interface culture, an in vitro reconstructed Chinese human epidermis model was obtained. This Chinese epidermis model was further characterized.

The reconstructed human epidermis model (China EpiSkin model) exhibits morphological features similar to native skin and shows similar expression profile of proliferation (Ki67) and differentiation (K14 and K10 cytokeratins, filaggrin) markers. Corneodesmosomes, lamellar lipids, desmosomes, keratohyalin granules, keratin filaments and membrane-coating granules are also observed at the ultrastructure level. Moreover, China EpiSkin model contains most of the major lipid classes normally found in the native skin and potentially could present the properties of skin barrier. More importantly, the model production achieves high reproducibility and low intra- and inter-batch variations.

This is the first reconstructed Chinese human epidermis model reported to meet the high quality standard with industrialized production criteria. This China EpiSkin model can be used for both skin research and safety assessment in vitro.