Pattern Formation by Cultured Human Epidermal Cells: Development of Curved Ridges Resembling Dermatoglyphs

• DOI: 10.1126/science.663617
• Publication Date: 2006-10-05T16:35:25Z
• Authors: Howard Green; Judith Thomas
• Keywords: Embryonic Induction; 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; Time Factors; Epidermal Cells; Cell Movement; Humans; Cell Differentiation; Dermatoglyphics; Fibroblasts; Cells, Cultured

In cultures made from disaggregated human epidermal cells, growth to a confluent cell layer is followed by the emergence of patterns resembling those of human dermatoglyphs. These patterns reflect intrinsic properties of keratinocytes. In vivo, only the epidermis of the volar surfaces forms patterns, but in culture, patterns are formed by epidermal cells from other sites as well. Patterns develop by a process of cell movement which first produces ridges and then curves the ridges into figures of increasing complexity, ultimately whorls.