A team of researchers from POSTECH, led by Professors Dong Sung Kim, Anna Lee, and Dr. Jaeseung Youn from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has successfully recreated the structure of wrinkles in biological tissues in vitro. Their groundbreaking findings, published in Nature Communications on August 19, shed light on the mechanisms behind wrinkle formation in various organs. Wrinkles, commonly associated with skin aging, also appear in organs like the brain, stomach, and intestines, where they play vital roles in regulating cellular states and supporting physiological functions.
This study’s primary goal was to move beyond the cosmetic aspects of wrinkle formation and focus on its deeper biological importance. Wrinkle structures help scientists understand tissue folding, a process vital for embryology, regenerative therapies, and even studies related to aging. While previous research largely depended on animal models, this new in vitro model provides an alternative way to study the intricate process of wrinkle formation in human tissues.
Advances in Understanding Wrinkle Formation
Professor Kim’s team overcame limitations in previous wrinkle studies by developing an advanced epithelial tissue model using human epithelial cells and an extracellular matrix (ECM). This in vitro model allowed them to recreate wrinkle patterns found in the skin, gut, and other tissues, mirroring the structures seen in living organisms. By applying precise compressive forces to the tissue model, they managed to replicate both deep, large wrinkles caused by strong compression and smaller wrinkles formed under lighter compressive forces.
The model revealed essential factors that drive wrinkle formation, such as the porous structure of the ECM, dehydration, and the application of compressive forces to the epithelial layer. Mechanical instability within the ECM layer, caused by compression, led to the formation of wrinkles. The role of dehydration in wrinkle formation, particularly in skin, was of significant interest, as the team’s observations closely mimicked the effects seen in aging skin. This finding provided researchers with a new mechanobiological framework for studying wrinkles in both cosmetic and medical contexts.
Impact and Future Implications
How Wrinkles Are Formed On Our Skin?
The team’s breakthrough is expected to significantly impact various fields of research. Professor Dong Sung Kim noted the importance of the research, stating, “We have developed a platform that can replicate various wrinkle structures in living tissue without the need for animal testing.” This innovative approach may open new avenues for studying skin aging, regenerative medicine, and other biological processes involving tissue folding.
The study was supported by the Mid-Career Research Program of the National Research Foundation of Korea, the Ministry of Science and ICT, and the Alchemist Project of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. This development in wrinkle formation research marks a significant step forward, offering researchers new tools to understand the complexities of biological tissues and their functions.
