Long-Term Culture of Skin Biopsies: Maintenance of Fibroblast Production and Competency of Reprogramming

This study investigated the long-term culture of skin biopsies to generate primary fibroblasts, which are crucial for experimental and therapeutic applications. Over 6-16 months, skin biopsy samples were cultured, resulting in 6-16 generations of fibroblasts. The study found that fibroblast morphology and physiology were maintained, although proliferation rates decreased over time. Gene expression changes were observed, but no significant DNA deletions or amplifications were detected. Importantly, fibroblasts from extended cultures retained the ability to be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells. These findings support the feasibility of long-term skin biopsy culture for producing large numbers of fibroblasts while preserving their functional integrity.