Tissue-Scale Tensional Homeostasis in Skin Regulates Structure and Physiological Function
October 2020
in “
Communications Biology
”
TLDR Balanced tension in skin is crucial for its structure and function.
The study demonstrated that tensional homeostasis in skin was vital for maintaining its structural and functional properties. Using a human skin equivalent (HSE), researchers found that balancing horizontal tension in the dermal layer improved the relationship between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM). This tension also promoted skin homeostasis by activating mechano-sensitive molecules like ROCK and MRTF-A. The findings suggested that tension-induced HSE could serve as an alternative model for analyzing skin physiological functions regulated by tensional homeostasis, offering a potential substitute for animal models.