Induced pluripotent stem cells to generate skin tissue models

Human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be differentiated into a wide spectrum of multiple, isogenic, patient-specific cell types that offer an important new source of cells for the construction of 3-D skin tissue models. iPSCs have been differentiated to specific cell lineages, including fibroblasts, keratinocytes, melanocytes, and endothelial cells that can be incorporated into skin tissue models that support the development of a tissue microenvironment with a well-differentiated, stratified squamous epithelium. When incorporated into 3-D skin tissues, these iPSC-derived cell types display cellular behaviors that mimic their in vivo functions. Further development of skin tissues constructed with iPSC-derived cells will generate versatile models to study the pathogenesis of skin disease processes and to test the safety and efficacy of new products and drugs designed to treat these diseases.