Fibroblasts change spreading capability and mechanical properties in a direct interaction with keratinocytes in conditions mimicking wound healing

Skin, the largest human organ, mainly participates in protection against external mechanical, chemical and biological factors (Akomeah et al., 2008). Its structure is composed of distinct cells forming three main layers, i.e. epidermis, dermis and hypodermis (Bouwstra and Honeywell-Nguyen, 2002). Epidermis and dermis are separated by basal membrane, organization of which (in adult skin) results partially from the cooperative interaction between fibroblasts and keratinocytes through production of extracellular matrix proteins (El Ghalbzouri and Ponec, 2004; Sorrell and Caplan, 2004).
Source: Journal of Biomechanics - Category: Biomedical Science Authors: Source Type: research