Advanced in vitro skin models with hair for estrogen pathway investigation
Innovative in vitro skin models incorporating hair follicles and key skin cells to investigate estrogen pathway modulation, aiding in compound screening for hair growth and loss control during hormonal fluctuations.
Overview
The advanced in vitro skin models offered by Fraunhofer ISC are designed to investigate the modulation of the estrogen pathway. These models incorporate critical elements such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and essential skin cell types including keratinocytes, dermal papilla cells, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and adipocytes. By mimicking human skin physiology and expressing estrogen receptors in key cell types, the models can effectively screen compounds that influence estrogen activity. This capability is particularly important for addressing hair growth and loss during hormonal changes, such as menopause.
Technical specifications
These skin models are derived from female hiPSC and express estrogen receptors in keratinocytes, dermal papilla cells, fibroblasts, melanocytes, and adipocytes. The technology utilizes immunofluorescence markers and qPCR markers like TGF-β, and E-Cadherin ERα, ERβ, and GPR30 to analyze the estrogen pathway within hair follicles comprehensively. The models also measure hair thickness and determine the anagen or telogen phases of the hair cycle. This allows for the evaluation of botanicals that modulate estrogen-related processes, potentially improving hair growth.
Technology readiness level
Currently, the technology is at TRL 2, indicating a proof-of-concept stage. The models replicate physiologically relevant cell types and, with the addition of exogenous estrogen, can establish defined hormonal states to better observe the modulation of the estrogen pathway by various compounds.
About Fraunhofer Institute
Fraunhofer is a large, multi-site applied research organization based in Germany, operating a nationwide network of institutes and research units with a strong industry-facing mission. Its contract-research model aligns work to real manufacturing and deployment needs, with pilot lines, test labs, and demonstration facilities for validation and scale-up. Many institutes are integrated with nearby universities and regional industry clusters, enabling joint appointments, shared infrastructure, and fast talent pipelines. Research is supported by competitive European programs alongside German federal and state funding, complemented by extensive contract revenue from private-sector collaborations. A dedicated technology transfer function manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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