Epidermal-like architecture obtained from equine keratinocytes in three-dimensional cultures.

This research study aims to develop a three-dimensional (3D) culture system to effectively grow and distinguish equine skin cells (keratinocytes). This could be extremely valuable for modelling skin diseases, drug testing, and regenerative medicine for horses.

Background

• The study arises from the noted lack of literature and understanding of equine skin cells’ culture and biology. As many skin conditions affect horses, it is thought that a better understanding of how these cells grow and operate might assist in creating more effective treatment measures.
• There is a particular interest in developing in vitro models of equine skin, as these can be a valuable tool in examining how skin diseases develop and how they might be treated.

Methodology

• Keratinocytes, a specific type of skin cell, were obtained from explants of equine skin. These cells were then passaged, with the end-goal of creating pure keratinocyte populations.
• The use of three-dimensional culture system, specifically Alvetex™ 3D tissue scaffolds, enables an environment that promotes cell differentiation, which is crucial in attaining complex cellular structures like epidermis.
• The keratinocytes were then analyzed using various techniques to examine aspects such as their ultrastructure and their immune-histochemical properties.

Findings

• The keratinocyte samples demonstrated the ability to proliferate and achieve tissue polarity, differentiating into distinct basal and suprabasal layers, similar to a natural epidermis.
• Each layer showed unique characteristics. The basal layer contained distinct cuboidal cells involved in proliferation, while the suprabasal layers displayed cells resemblant of stratum spinosum and cornified cells, indicative of distinct stages of differentiation.

Implications

• The ability of keratinocytes to achieve an epidermal-like structure in a 3D culture system indicates that this could be an effective tool for studying equine skin diseases and potentially in the field of equine regenerative medicine.
• This study marks a significant step in the development of an in vitro model of equine skin and, as such, could provide critical knowledge on the culture and biology of equine skin cells.
• If successful, this methodology could be easily adapted to other areas of veterinary medicine, accelerating research into animal skin diseases and possible treatments.