Fibroblast remodelling of the dermis during rejuvenation and scarring events

The skin of the face is distinctive, with evidence for superior wound healing properties (e.g. less scarring), yet heightened susceptibility to certain skin conditions, including acne and keloid scars In addition, scarring varies between ethnicities, with black and east Asian skin particularly susceptible
The dermal extracellular matrix (ECM) dictates the physical features of the skin (e.g. scar stiffness) and is the site of significant structural improvements offered by cosmetic laser treatments The ECM is largely the product of dermal fibroblasts, which are heterogeneous, locally and between body sites. The facial dermis is uniquely derived from the neural crest (NC), whereas the body dermis develops from mesoderm tissue.
e propose NC-derived dermal fibroblasts have special features that promote wound healing, but when mis-regulated drive pathological scarring.
We have discovered significant histological and transcriptional variations between anatomical sites during wound repair. Also, our studies of keloids (>40% develop on the face) revealed abundant expression of NC markers (e.g. GD2), and a cartilage-like ECM that reflects mis-differentiation of NC cells [7]. Importantly, the keloids were from black Afro-Caribbean skin, although how ethnicity affects dermal ECM is unknown.
A mechanistic understanding of the regional skin differences is needed; the special healing properties of healthy facial skin could help improve wound outcomes and ECM-based rejuvenation techniques. In addition, comparisons between ethnic skins in wound healing might help unravel why differences exist. This project will uncover anatomical variation in dermal remodelling, and compare Caucasian and Afro-Caribbean skin. We aim to identify pathways and molecules that may be harnessed to improve wound healing outcomes, including for skin rejuvenation applications.