Cellular Attachment Assays to Dissect Molecular Drivers of Epidermal Cell Function

Cell attachment is the process by which cells interact with their environment, including neighboring cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). Attachment plays a critical role in maintaining skin integrity, promoting wound healing, and facilitating cellular communication in epidermal cells, such as keratinocytes. However, the many different factors that can influence this mechanism make it challenging to recapitulate in cellular models. The overlap between attachment and adhesion mechanisms both physiologically and methodologically further complicate the production of cellular models. Here, we present a flexible, quantitative, and cost-effective tool for studying epidermal attachment under various conditions. We provide optimized starting conditions for several different adaptations of the core protocol and provide approaches for quantitative, reproducible data that can be performed in most laboratories. This assay enhances experimental reproducibility and enables a targeted approach to studying epidermal biology. This approach offers researchers an improved tool for dissecting the molecular events in cell attachment and advancing skin biology research.