This piece of skin perspires and has hairs like any piece of human skin. With the difference that this piece is entirely artificial. When grafted onto a person, this tissue could mimic the natural behavior of human skin, i.e. sweating and becoming covered in hair. This astonishing feat comes from Japanese researchers from the Kiren Center biology laboratory in collaboration with the Tokyo University of Sciences.
Scientists achieved this result after removing gum cells from a mouse. They succeeded in making different layers of skin with the hair follicles and sweat glands (which secrete sweat). When this artificial tissue was transplanted into a mouse without an immune system, it adapted well to its new environment and even covered itself with hair.
Can we deduce that this experience would be transposable to humans? According to the Japanese, this option is possible and could become reality within five to ten years.
Many perspectives
The researchers hope in the long term that this system will make it possible to generate perfectly functional tissues. These could be grafted to replace the tissues of the burn victimsor even patients with skin diseases.
In the review Science advances, the study also suggests that these artificial tissues could be exploited by the drug or cosmetic industry, offering an alternative to animal testing.
Read also: Artificial skin that provides the sensation of touch
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