| abstract |
The present invention relates to an in vitro culture substitute skin, and more particularly to an in vitro culture substitute skin having an improved barrier function. In some embodiments, the improved barrier function is the result of improved culture conditions, and in another embodiment, the improved barrier function is due to genetic modification of keratinocytes. Improved culture conditions to improve barrier function include organ culture at about 75% humidity in the presence of linoleic acid and / or linoleic acid. Suitable genetic modifications to improve barrier function include transfection with a DNA construct capable of expressing GKLF. The present invention further provides an improved method of using this type of skin substitute for screening compounds for stimulatory activity and also for identifying novel irritant responsive genes. |