Author(s): Kyler Turner
Mentor(s): Maira Alves Constantino
Institution U of U
By the age of 70, one in five Americans will be affected by skin cancer (Skin Cancer Foundation, 2024). Among skin cancers, melanoma is the most dangerous, tending to invade deeply and metastasize quickly. This aggressive behavior is only aided by complex biophysical interactions within the extracellular matrix (ECM). Characteristics of these interactions are observable using varying techniques to test the mechanical nature of skin (Wahlsten et al., 2024), but few lend a complete picture of cell-to-cell interactions. Microrheology, the study of rheological properties using microspheres to measure cellular mechanics, provides valuable insights into mechanical interactions at the cellular level. Developing more realistic in vitro models suited for mechanical measurements is essential to advancing our knowledge of cellular dynamics. In vitro models can provide intra- and extra-cellular mechanical measurements through techniques utilizing fluorescent microspheres and fluorescence microscopy. This study aims to determine the viability of lab-grown skin as a model for investigating mechanical properties. More specifically, how skin reconstructs compare on a microrheological level. If proven a viable model, the mechanical changes a melanoma exhibits can be further explored. Following a procedure developed by Li, Fukunaga-Kalabis, and Herlyn (2011) we aim to create a three-dimensional skin reconstruct model. We will assess whether this model is viable for recording mechanical interactions. While not a perfect replacement for natural skin, we predict meaningful trends can be followed. We expect parallels will be found that provide new insight into the microrheology and mechanical nature of the ECM and deepen our understanding of melanoma progression. This work could pave the way for more effective experimental models and contribute to better strategies for studying cancer and improving patient outcomes. Here, we present preliminary mechanical measurements of the reconstructed skin dermal layer. References Skin Cancer Foundation. (2024, September). Skin cancer information. Better Health Channel. (n.d.). Melanoma. (2024)Victorian State Government. Li, L., Fukunaga-Kalabis, M., & Herlyn, M. The three-dimensional human skin reconstruct model: A tool to study normal skin and melanoma progression. Journal of Visualized Experiments (JoVE), (2011), 54, e2937. Wahlsten, A., Stracuzzi, A., Lüchtefeld, I., Restivo, G., Lindenblatt, N., Giampietro, C., Ehret, A. E., & Mazza, E. Multiscale Mechanical Analysis of the Elastic Modulus of Skin. (2024). Institute for Mechanical Systems, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.