Dermal Stem Cells: The Next Target. Mibelle Biochemistry at In-Cosmetics 2011

Skin renewal and regeneration depends on stem cells. Mibelle Biochemistry to introduce its latest stem cell research and developments at In-Cosmetics 2011 in Milan.
By: Health & Beauty PR
 
March 23, 2011 - PRLog -- Our body’s tissue is subject to a continuous regeneration process.
The ability of adult stem cells to self-renew and to generate fast
proliferating progenitor cells is an absolute prerequisite for tissue
regeneration. Because the skin is an exceptionally highly regenerative
tissue, the skin stem cell population represents the most important target
for anti-ageing treatments. But, regardless of the regenerative power of
stem cells, our skin loses its elasticity and firmness and forms wrinkles as we
age. The regenerative potential of the stem cells apparently does not last
forever; they too age. Ingredients, specifically designed to delay the
depletion of their regeneration capacity, are a most promising solution to
keeping skin looking youthful longer.

* We are in need of novel in vitro models to test stem cell claims

Meanwhile a lot of research is being done on the mechanism of epidermal
regeneration by stem cells embedded in specific niches located at the basal
layer of the epidermis. In vitro test systems using epidermal stem cells have
been established which allow claims for epidermal stem cell actives. Also
dermal stem cells could be targeted by cosmetic ingredients. Fibroblasts,
the prominent cell type in the dermis, are responsible for the continuous
production of collagen and elastin. These proteins form the so called
extracellular matrix, a three dimensional structure that confer elasticity and
firmness to the skin. Age-related reduction in the formation of the
extracellular matrix and environmental stress factors that lead to the
breakdown of the existing matrix are key elements in the skin ageing
process and directly involved in wrinkle formation. Controlling the
regenerative potential of dermal stem cells would make it possible to
correct loss of skin firmness and elasticity and to prevent wrinkles.

*A novel cell culture assay to address dermal stem cell activity

Details of the dermal stem cell niche and marker expression remained
scarce. But recently, a research group at the University of Toronto showed
that the dermal papilla is a niche for dermal progenitor/stem cells. These
cells were found to self-renew, to induce the formation of hair follicles and
to migrate into the inter-follicular dermis where they proliferated and
differentiated to fibroblast cells, able to regenerate the extracellular matrix.
Other characteristics of these cells were the expression of a specific marker
gene Sox2 and the tendency to grow in colonies in the form of spheres.
Mibelle Biochemistry is now working on a human dermal papilla cell line
as a new test system for the evaluation of active ingredients for stem cell
vitalization potential. The established cell line was found to effectively form
sphere-like colonies and the cells in those spheres were found to be
uniformly Sox2-labelled, thus representing real dermal stem cells.

* Working with human dermal stem cells

Progenitor cells isolated from the dermal papilla of excised human hair
follicles could be maintained as a monolayer culture for at least 11
passages. At both passage 3 and passage 11 cells transferred into hanging
drops formed 3D spheres, demonstrating that this important characteristic
of progenitor cells was retained even after longer-term cultivation. In
addition, immunofluorescent labelling of whole mount spheres showed
positive staining for the Sox2, a proposed dermal stem cell marker. When
cells dissociated from primary spheres were seeded back into classical cell
culture dishes used for routine monolayer culture, numerous secondary
spheres were formed. This indicates that once cells have formed primary
spheres, they seem to retain a memory of the 3D progenitor phenotype,
and preferentially re-form spheres where normally monolayer cultures would
be expected to form.

* Conclusion

A stable culture of progenitor cells isolated from the dermal papilla could
be established. Even after 11 passages, cells retained the ability to both
form 3D spheres and express the stem cell marker Sox2, suggesting a stem
cell phenotype. Using this culture we can now effectively evaluate the
influence of cosmetic actives on dermal stem cells. A variety of evaluations
may be made, including both molecular (i.e. stem cell marker expression)
and phenotypic (i.e. number of spheres, proportion of complete spheres,
serial passaging of 3D spheres etc). This approach will provide us with
detailed insights into the behaviour and activity of dermal stem cells in the
presence of cosmetic actives, thus enabling the evaluation of their ability to
maintain or restore their regenerative potential in the dermis.
Protection and vitalization of human dermal stem cells is the next
generation of stem cell cosmetics. Active ingredients with these properties
offer a deep-seated rejuvenation of the skin, resulting in restoration of
firmness and wrinkle reduction. In addition, such products could also be
beneficial in wound healing and the treatment of stretch marks.
End
Source:Health & Beauty PR
Email:***@health-beauty-pr.com Email Verified
Tags:Stem Cell Cosmetics, Plant Stem Cells, Mibelle Biochemistry, In-cosmetics 2011
Industry:Beauty, Marketing, Science
Location:Buchs - Switzerland
Account Email Address Verified     Disclaimer     Report Abuse



Like PRLog?
9K2K1K
Click to Share