Cell Adhesion: Insights for Tissue Engineering
Starvation and Adhesion Drive Formation of Keratinocyte Patterns in Skin
Tags: Hokkaido University, Japan, Healthcare & Lifesciences
Researchers from Hokkaido University discovered that cell-cell adhesion and nutrient starvation drive the self-organized pattern formation in keratinocytes. They used the HaCaT cell line to observe high and low-density regions forming spontaneously after four days of culture, influenced by cell adhesion proteins and serum starvation. Gene expression analysis confirmed the upregulation of adhesion and differentiation proteins in high-density regions. A mathematical model demonstrated that adhesion is essential and sufficient for pattern formation, influencing cell proliferation and differentiation. Applications of this discovery include better understanding of epithelial organization, with potential implications for skin-related conditions and tissue engineering.
IP Type or Form Factor: Discovery & Research
TRL: 2 - technology concept and/or application formulated
Industry or Tech Area: Biotechnology; Pharmaceutical Engineering
