Characterization of a melanocyte progenitor population in human interfollicular epidermis
Authors
Katarzyna Michalak-Mićka, Vanessa L. Büchler, Natalia Zapiórkowska-Blumer, Thomas Biedermann, Agnes S. Klar
Institution
University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich
Country
Switzerland
Year
2022
Journal
Cell Reports
Abstract
It is still unknown whether the human interfollicular epidermis harbors a reservoir of melanocyteprecursor cells. Here, we clearly distinguish between three distinct types of melanocytes in human interfollicular epidermis: (1) cKit+CD90–, (2) cKit+CD90+, and (3) cKit−CD90+. Importantly, we identify the Kit tyrosine kinase receptor (cKit) as a marker expressed specifically in mature, melanin-producing melanocytes. Thus, both cKit+CD90– and cKit+CD90+ cells represent polydendritic, pigmented mature melanocytes, whereas cKit−CD90+ cells display bipolar, non-dendritic morphology with reduced melanin content. Additionally, using tissue-engineered pigmented dermo-epidermal skin substitutes (melDESSs), we reveal that the cKit expression also plays an important role during melanogenesis in melDESS in vivo. Interestingly, cKit−CD90+ cells lack the expression of markers such as HMB45, TYR, and TRP1 in vitro and in vivo. However, they co-express neural-crest progenitor markers and demonstrate multilineage differentiation potential in vitro. Hence, we propose that cKit−CD90+ cells constitute the precursor melanocyte reservoir in human interfollicular epidermis.
Product use
Isolation and culture of human keratinocytes and melanocytes