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The Extracellular Matrix01:42

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In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
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Unlike epithelial tissue, which is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. This extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of fibrous proteins like collagen, elastin, and fibronectin in a ground substance consisting of interstitial fluid, cell adhesion proteins, and proteoglycans. The proteoglycans form a gel-like material in the spaces between cells and provide hydration, buffering, binding, and force...
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Extra Cellular Matrix Deposition and Assembly in Dermis Spheroids.

Francesca Rescigno1, Laura Ceriotti1, Marisa Meloni1

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|July 29, 2021
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Dermis spheroids from young and old donors show distinct extracellular matrix (ECM) assembly, reflecting native tissue aging. This 3D model offers insights into skin aging and personalized dermatological care.

Keywords:
3D culturedermisextracellular matrixintrinsic agingscaffold-free spheroidstissue remodeling

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Dermatology
  • Tissue Engineering

Background:

  • The skin's dermis provides structural integrity and is composed of an extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesized by fibroblasts.
  • Understanding dermal aging is crucial for developing effective dermatological treatments and anti-aging strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and characterize 3D dermis spheroids from fibroblasts of different aged donors.
  • To assess the capacity of these spheroids to synthesize and organize dermal structural components in a scaffold-free 3D microenvironment.
  • To investigate the influence of donor age on de novo ECM formation and dermal maturation.

Main Methods:

  • Primary human dermal fibroblasts from 40 and 50-year-old donors were cultured in a hanging drop system to form dermis spheroids.
  • Spheroid diameter, Procollagen Type I C-terminal Peptide (PICP) release, collagen III, and CD44 expression were analyzed.
  • ECM assembly and dermal maturation were assessed using Masson's trichrome staining and immunofluorescence over 21 days.

Main Results:

  • Younger donor spheroids exhibited significantly higher collagen III synthesis (101%) compared to older donor spheroids (23.5%) after seven days.
  • Progressive ECM assembly and dermal maturation were observed from day 7 to day 10, with significant accumulation of collagen III and CD44.
  • A global decrease in these components was noted in both spheroid models after 21 days of culture.

Conclusions:

  • Scaffold-free 3D culture conditions enable physiological ECM assembly in miniaturized dermis models.
  • These models recapitulate phenotypic features of the native tissue from which the cells were isolated, reflecting age-related differences.
  • The developed dermis spheroids hold potential for personalized care approaches in dermatological research on aging processes.