Researchers successfully grow hair out of artificial skin

By Park Sae-jin Posted : April 4, 2016, 15:42 Updated : April 4, 2016, 15:42

[Courtesy of Riken]



There are many types of research being carried out to create a functional artificial skin. So far, many resulted in resembling the cells and failed in creation of fully functioning skin with all glands – oil and sweat. But amongst all failures, a Japanese research institute succeeded in creation of fully functioning skin and grew hair on it.

Riken, Japan's comprehensive research institution, reported on Saturday that they have succeeded in growing artificial skin. The researchers have grown skin tissue which not only has hair follicles but oil and sweat glands, like a normal skin would have.

Riken explained the process as it was introduced in a journal "Science Advances". The researchers took cells from mouse gums, then, turned them into stem cell-like forms. The cells were implanted into mice with immune deficiencies (to prevent the mice's immune system from attacking transplanted cells). The result was quite fascinating. A wart-like lump grew in the mice which had hair follicles and all glands like a natural tissue would.

Takashi Tsuji, who led the study at Riken, said, "Up until now, artificial skin development has been hampered by the fact that the skin lacked the important organs, such as hair follicles and exocrine glands, which allow the skin to play its important role in regulation. With this new technique, we have successfully grown skin that replicates the function of the normal tissue. We are coming ever closer to the dream of being able to recreate actual organs in the lab for transplantation, and also, believe that tissue grown through this method could be used as an alternative to animal testing of chemicals."

The researchers expect tests on human subjects will be carried out in 10 years or so, and when the test goes well, skin implants to people who have suffered from severe burns and other injuries will be available.


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