Establishment of a hyper-hybrid skin model for regenerative medicine

The skin has a complex tissue architecture composed of a large variety of cell types of ectodermal and mesodermal origins. Most of these cells are produced from corresponding progenitor/stem cells by tightly regulated mechanisms. In our previous studies, we have demonstrated the utility of in vivo skin reconstitution assay using skin progenitor cells. Additionally, we have generated three-dimensional skin tissue buds by autonomous condensation of inoculated cells in vitro. Furthermore, we have revealed expression of sensor molecules against toxic substances in skin keratinocytes. Based on the data, we planned to develop a novel cell culture system to generate hybrid skin tissue using normal skin cells and functionally modified keratinocytes.