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Use of gene-modified keratinocytes and fibroblasts to enhance regeneration in a full skin defect

Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery volume 396, pages 543–550 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

With the development of cell-based gene transfer techniques, genetically modified human keratinocytes (Kc) and fibroblasts (Fb) have been proven to be a better choice in wound repair.

Methods

This study was designed to construct in one step a gene-modified artificial skin by a genetically engineered Kc expressing PDGF-BB and Fb expressing VEGF165 and bFGF. The wound healing effect in a full-thickness wound model was then observed. Unmodified artificial skin served as control. On the post-operative days 7, 14, and 21, residual wound area was calculated and skin wound tissues were subjected to biopsy for further investigation.

Results

Compared with unmodified artificial skin, gene-modified artificial skin resulted in a reduced wound contraction and a well-organized human epidermis and better formed dermis.

Conclusions

The results suggest that our two-layer, gene-modified artificial skin improved both vascularization and epidermalization for skin regeneration. This technique could bring about a new approach in the treatment of burns and chronic wounds.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by a grant from the University of Luebeck Research Fund.

Conflicts of interest

None.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department for Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany

    Jörn Andreas Lohmeyer & Hans-Günther Machens

  2. Plastic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Burn Unit, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany

    Jörn Andreas Lohmeyer, Fang Liu, Frank Siemers & Hans-Günther Machens

  3. Institute of Burns, Wuhan University, Wuhan Hospital No. 3, Wuhan, Peoples’ Republic of China

    Fang Liu

  4. Institute for Pathology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany

    Stefan Krüger

  5. Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI) Braunschweig, Braunschweig, Germany

    Werner Lindenmaier

Authors
  1. Jörn Andreas Lohmeyer
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  2. Fang Liu
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  3. Stefan Krüger
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  4. Werner Lindenmaier
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  5. Frank Siemers
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  6. Hans-Günther Machens
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jörn Andreas Lohmeyer.

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Lohmeyer, J.A., Liu, F., Krüger, S. et al. Use of gene-modified keratinocytes and fibroblasts to enhance regeneration in a full skin defect. Langenbecks Arch Surg 396, 543–550 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-011-0761-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00423-011-0761-3

Keywords

  • Cell activation
  • Gene expression
  • Wound healing
  • Keratinocytes
  • Fibroblasts
  • Growth factors