Project description:Skin colonisation of varied communities of commensal microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Staphylococcus epidermidis (SE) and Staphylococcus capitis (SC) form the microbiome; a necessity for healthy skin. The skin changes characteristic of atopic dermatitis, a common inflammatory skin disease, have been shown to provide a favourable niche for SA colonisation. We utilised a reconstructed human epidermal (RHE) model recapitulating the stratified anatomy of the epidermis on which to test host responses to bacterial colonisation. SA proliferation was significantly inhibited in contrast to that seen with SE at both high and low colonisation loads after 24 hours. These data strongly suggest species specific regulation of staphylococcal growth, which is partially mediated by interaction with the epidermis.
Project description:Traditional research in inflammatory dermatoses has relied on animal models and reconstructed human epidermis to study these conditions. However, these models are limited in replicating the complexity of real human skin and reproducing the intricate pathological changes in skin barrier components and lipid profiles. To address this gap, we developed experimental models that mimic various human inflammatory skin phenotypes. Human ex vivo skins were stimulated with various triggers, creating models for inflammation-induced angiogenesis, irritation response, and chronic T-cell activation. We assessed the alterations in skin morphology, cellular infiltrates, cytokine production, and epidermal lipidomic profiles. In the pro-angiogenesis model, we observed increased mast cell degranulation and elevated levels of angiogenic growth factors. Both the irritant and chronic inflammation models exhibited severe epidermal disruption, along with macrophage infiltration, leukocyte exocytosis, and heightened cytokine levels. Lipidomic analysis revealed minor changes in the pro-angiogenesis model, whereas the chronic inflammation and irritant models exhibited significant decreases in barrier essential ceramide subclasses and a shift toward shorter acyl chain lengths (<C18), indicating skin barrier instability. Additionally, the irritant and chronic inflammation models are responsive to immunosuppressants. These models hold promise for advancing scientific understanding and the development of therapeutic and skincare solutions for individuals afflicted by compromised skin conditions.
Project description:House dust mite/HDM atopy patch test/APT elicits positive reactions in the majority of atopic dermatitis/AD and healthy individuals. Experimental systems for new-onset/chronic AD are needed to support rapid therapeutic development, particularly since animal models representing AD pathology in humans are lacking. HDM APT historically simulated AD, but its suitability to model the emerging AD skin phenotype as Th2/Th22 polarized with Th1 and Th17 components is unknown. To assess whether HDM APT tissues reproduce acute or chronic AD, positive HDM APT (n=14) were compared with nonlesional, acute (<72hrs; n=10), and chronic phase AD biopsies (n=8), allergic contact reactions (to nickel [n=10] and fragrance [n=3]) using arrays.
Project description:Cellular senescence is described as an irreversible cell cycle arrest induced in response to various stresses. Senescent cells are characterised by heterogeneous signalling alterations, complex secretory phenotype, known as senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), and diverse transcriptomic profile. With the aim to investigate senescence heterogeneity and identify conserved transctiptomic alterations and universal senescence markers, we performed RNA-seq and multiplex proteomic analysis in proteasome inhibition-induced and stress-induced premature senescence models of HFL1 and BJ human fibroblasts. Our data revealed diverse transcriptomic signatures, but also, 231 common differentially expressed genes related to cell division and ECM remodelling, and enriched pathways that remained conserved among the different models with senescence onset. Moreover, we identified a subset of proteins and validated them in replicative senescent models. These proteins are involved in cell cycle arrest and promote a pro-inflammatory environment in premature and replicative senescence models. We suggest that the simultaneous analysis of p21, p-c-JUN, BCL-xL and survivin in cellular lysates, and IL-8, GM-CSF, GDF-15 and GROa in culture supernatants can provide a powerful tool for the identification and monitoring of senescent cells and can support the assessment of the efficacy of potential senotherapeutic approaches.
Project description:Chronic apical periodontitis, typified by inflammatory granulation tissue formation and alveolar bone destruction, is the immune response around the apical root caused by long-term infection and pathogenic stimulation in the root canal. Through the recruitment and infiltration of immune cells and inflammatory mediators, wound healing begins accompanied by the starting of infection. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of biological processes and disease development from the cellular microenvironment in inflammatory periapical areas has important implications.