The effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells on the formation of epidermis and basement membrane in artificial skin models

Background: There is an increasing need for making a more ideal artificial skin model. Objective: To evaluate the effects of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ATMSC) on the formation of epidermis and basement membrane in artificial skin models. Methods: ATMSC were isolated from lipo-aspirated fat tissues, and their phenotypes were confirmed by cell surface markers. Three kinds of artificial skin models were made using three different dermal substitutes. The dermal substitutes in the three models contained fibroblasts only, fibroblasts together with ATMSC or ATMSC only. The formation of epidermis and basement membrane was evaluated by immunohistochemical stains and transmission electron microscopy. Results: Among the three models, the model with both fibroblasts and ATMSC in the dermal substitute showed the most excellent formation of epidermis and, especially, basement membrane. In this model, the basement membrane proteins, laminin and type IV collagen, were expressed most apparently at the dermo-epidermal junction and, lamina lucida, lamina densa and anchoring fibrils were most evidently observed under transmission electron microscopy. Whereas, the model with only ATMSC did not show keratin 1 expression, suggesting that the 'skin-type' stratified squamous epithelium was not formed well. Conclusion: ATMSC together with fibroblasts can be used effectively in constructing artificial skin models.