Unveiling Wrinkle Formation: Replicating Biological Tissue Structures

A research team led by Pohang University of Science and Technology in South Korea has successfully replicated the wrinkle structures found in biological tissues in a laboratory setting, unraveling the specific mechanisms behind their formation. The research findings have been published in the journal Nature Communications.

While wrinkles are commonly associated with skin aging, many organs and tissues, such as the brain, stomach, and intestines, also possess unique wrinkle structures that play a crucial role in regulating cell states and tissue differentiation. Understanding the formation process of these wrinkles is paramount for grasping the intricate physiological functions of organisms and holds significant implications for advancing research in skin aging, regenerative medicine, and embryology.

Given the challenges in replicating wrinkle formation, such studies often rely on animal models such as fruit flies, mice, and chicken embryos. Consequently, there remain numerous mysteries surrounding the mechanisms of wrinkle formation in living tissues.

The research team successfully recreated wrinkle structures from living tissues in vitro by developing an epithelial tissue model composed of human epithelial cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). By integrating sophisticated pressure devices, researchers observed for the first time the stratified deformation of single deep wrinkles induced by strong compressive forces, as well as the formation of numerous small wrinkles under mild compression.