Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026
10:31
Robust Differentiation of Human iPSCs into a Pure Population of Adipocytes to Study Adipocyte-Associated Disorders
Published on: February 9, 2022
4.2K
A guide to studying human dermal adipocytes in situ
Carina Nicu1,2, Jennifer Pople3, Laura Bonsell1,2
1Centre for Dermatology Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
Experimental Dermatology
|April 1, 2018
Summary
This guide details methods for studying human dermal white adipose tissue (DWAT) and dermal adipocytes (DAs). It covers staining, imaging techniques, and quantitative analysis for this crucial skin component.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Adipose Tissue Biology
- Skin Research
Background:
- Dermal white adipose tissue (DWAT), composed of dermal adipocytes (DAs), plays key roles in skin immunity, healing, and neuroendocrinology.
- While its functions are increasingly understood, human DWAT remains under-investigated, despite its suspected involvement in skin diseases like fibrosis, alopecia, and psoriasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a practical guide for studying human DWAT in situ and ex vivo.
- To detail essential techniques, including immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and quantitative immunohistomorphometry.
- To offer solutions for common challenges in human DA research.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing stains for pre-adipocyte (Pref1) and mature adipocyte markers (Perilipin1, Caveolin1).
- Employing lipid stains (OilRedO, BODIPY) and histochemical stains (H&E, trichrome).
- Applying quantitative immunohistomorphometry to assess cell size, number, lipid content, and marker intensity.
Main Results:
- Provides comprehensive guidelines for fixing, processing, and staining human DAs.
- Highlights common problems and their solutions for DWAT research.
- Suggests standardized methods for quantitative analysis of human DWAT and its adipocytes.
Conclusions:
- Human DWAT is a clinically relevant skin compartment requiring further investigation.
- This guide equips researchers with essential tools and methodologies for effective DWAT study.
- Standardized techniques will facilitate deeper understanding of DWAT's role in skin health and disease.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:09Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In situ
706
In situ experiments, such as the Doluisio method and Single-Pass Perfusion technique, provide critical insights into drug uptake by simulating in vivo conditions for drug absorption.
The Doluisio method involves perfusing a prepared segment of a rat's small intestine with a solution of radiolabeled drug and a non-absorbable marker. This helps to differentiate between absorbed and non-absorbed drug concentrations. The intestinal segment is connected at both ends using tubing and syringes,...
The Doluisio method involves perfusing a prepared segment of a rat's small intestine with a solution of radiolabeled drug and a non-absorbable marker. This helps to differentiate between absorbed and non-absorbed drug concentrations. The intestinal segment is connected at both ends using tubing and syringes,...
706
02:31In-situ Hybridization
10.6K
In situ hybridization (ISH) is a technique used to detect and localize specific DNA or RNA molecules in cells, tissue, or tissue sections using a labeled probe. The technique was first used in 1969 for the investigation of nucleic acids. It is currently an essential tool in scientific research and clinical settings, especially for diagnostic purposes.
Types of probes and labels
A probe is a complementary strand of DNA or RNA that binds to corresponding nucleotide sequences in a cell. Many...
Types of probes and labels
A probe is a complementary strand of DNA or RNA that binds to corresponding nucleotide sequences in a cell. Many...
10.6K
01:22Case Studies
13.7K
There are many research methods available to psychologists in their efforts to understand, describe, and explain behavior and the cognitive and biological processes that underlie it.
13.7K
02:07FISH - Fluorescent In-situ Hybridization
24.6K
Fluorescence in situ hybridization, or FISH, was developed in the early 1980s and has quickly become one of the most widely used techniques in cytogenetics. Labeled probes are used to bind complementary DNA or RNA sequences on a chromosome or in a region within a cell. Earlier, the probes could only be obtained by cloning or reverse transcription of a DNA template. Currently, the probe oligonucleotides can be synthesized synthetically. Additionally, with the advancement of optical techniques,...
24.6K
01:24Biodiversity and Human Values
17.2K
Human civilization relies on biodiversity in many ways. Sudden changes in species biodiversity result in environmental changes that can modify weather patterns and therefore human civilizations.
17.2K
01:28Imaging Studies I: Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder Studies
382
Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) StudiesKidney, Ureter, and Bladder (KUB) studies are standard diagnostic imaging procedures used to assess the anatomy of the urinary system. They are commonly utilized for patients experiencing abdominal pain or urinary symptoms. By using a simple X-ray of the abdomen, KUB studies can reveal structural and pathological abnormalities within the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. These studies are particularly valuable in diagnosing kidney stones, urinary...
382