Using a full thickness bioengineered human skin equivalent as a model for radiation biology research

Area of Science:

• Radiation biology
• Bioengineering
• Microbiology

Background:

• Limited human-specific models exist for studying radiation effects on skin.
• Radiation exposure poses significant health risks from various sources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a novel in vitro platform for assessing radiation-induced biological responses in human skin.
• To evaluate the viability, integrity, and molecular changes in a bioengineered skin model after radiation exposure.

Main Methods:

• Developed a full-thickness bioengineered human skin equivalent colonized with natural human microbiota (coHSEs).
• Exposed coHSEs to acute x-ray doses up to 4 Gy and monitored responses over 25 days.
• Utilized multi-omic analyses (metabolomics, lipidomics, metagenomics) for comprehensive evaluation.

Main Results:

• The coHSE model showed sustained viability and structural integrity post-radiation.
• Radiation induced dose- and time-dependent changes in cell proliferation and epidermal remodeling.
• Multi-omic analyses revealed conserved metabolic and microbial responses to radiation, mirroring findings in mouse skin.

Conclusions:

• The coHSE model is a scalable, ethical, and physiologically relevant platform for radiation research.
• This model supports advancements in radiation biology, biodosimetry, and therapeutic development.
• The findings have implications for both terrestrial health and space research.