Innovative approaches in skin therapy: The rise of organoid cultivation

Abstract

The skin is a complex organ system that plays a critical role in maintaining tissue homeostasis, providing defense mechanisms, and facilitating wound repair. Its structure is distinctly organized into three primary layers, each of which is integral to barrier functions against pathogen invasion and protection. Additionally, the skin contains various appendages, including hair follicles, sweat glands, sebaceous glands, nails, and mammary glands, which collectively contribute to the comprehensive skin system. These structures hold significant implications for the treatment of skin-related diseases, wound healing, and regenerative medicine. Organoids are models that simulate the complexity of natural tissues through three-dimensional cell culture techniques, typically derived from stem cells, primary tissues, or pluripotent stem cells. They can self-organize to replicate key structures responsible for organ physiological functions. Skin organoids, constructed using 3D culture systems, are cell models that mimic the skin structure, capable of precisely recapitulating the physiological and pathological states of the skin and its appendages. Despite their immense potential in disease modeling, drug screening, and skin regeneration, challenges such as morphological instability, functional decline, and discrepancies with human skin remain to be addressed. This review will explore the construction methodologies of skin and appendage organoids, with an emphasis on their potential applications in skin-related diseases.