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Tape strips in dermatology research
A J Hughes1, S S Tawfik1,2, K P Baruah1
1Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, The Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|December 28, 2020
Summary
Tape stripping is a minimally invasive method for skin sampling in dermatology research. This review explores its applications in various skin conditions and discusses optimal protein and RNA extraction techniques for consistent results.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Tape stripping is a minimally invasive technique for epidermal sampling in dermatological research.
- While historically used for epidermal pathology like eczema, its application is expanding to skin cancer and microbiome studies.
- This review consolidates current knowledge on tape stripping techniques and applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the technique of tape stripping for dermatological research.
- To discuss dermatoses studied using tape stripping and alternative sampling methods.
- To address protein and RNA extraction techniques from tape strips.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of tape stripping applications in dermatology.
- Analysis of protein and RNA extraction protocols from tape strips.
- Discussion of variables affecting sample consistency.
Main Results:
- Tape stripping is versatile for studying various dermatoses beyond eczema.
- Protein extraction protocols require standardization due to variable factors.
- Optimal RNA yield is suggested with 20 tape strips and a cell scraper.
Conclusions:
- Tape stripping is a valuable tool for minimally invasive dermatological research.
- Standardization of protein extraction is crucial for reliable results.
- Further research comparing RNA extraction techniques is needed.
