Japanese scientists have successfully developed an artificial skin that, once transplanted, is able to carry out the functions of natural skin, informed today a study. With this new technique, researchers from RIKEN University and Tokyo University in Japan, have created the first lab-grown skin able to replicate the functions of normal tissue and can be used as an alternative to the pharmacological testings with animals.
Japanese scientists have successfully developed an artificial skin that, once transplanted, is able to carry out the functions of natural skin, informed today a study. With this new technique, researchers from RIKEN University and Tokyo University in Japan, have created the first lab-grown skin able to replicate the functions of normal tissue and can be used as an alternative to the pharmacological testings with animals.
The study, published in the journal Science Advances reveals that the authors took cells from a mouse's gums and turn them back into an undifferentiated stem cells or Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which have the ability to develop into any kind of tissue.
Then, scientist managed to craft skin with multiple layers, as well as hair follicles and sweat glands; implanted the cells into a "nude mouse" with a suppressed immune system and it integrated well and sprouted hairs.
The implanted tissues created connections to surrounding nerves and muscle fibers, thus enabling completely normal functionality.
Source: PL