Minimally invasive skin sampling and transcriptome analysis using microneedles for skin type biomarker research

Abstract

Background: Minimally invasive skin sampling is used in various fields. In this study, we examined whether it was possible to obtain skin specimens using biocompatible microneedles composed of sodium hyaluronate and performed transcriptome analysis. Materials and methods:Thirty-three subjects with different skin conditions, such as skin aging, skin hydration, skin pigmentation, oily skin and sensitive skin, were recruited. Skin types were evaluated based on age, non-invasive measurement devices, 10% lactic acid stinging test and visual assessment; the skin specimens were sampled from the face using microneedles. Total RNA was extracted, and microarray was performed. Correlations between various biomarkers and skin condition parameters were analysed.Results: Several skin-type biomarkers are correlated with age, non-invasive device measurements, LAST score and visual assessment of acne lesions. Representatively, COL1A1 (Collagen type 1 alpha 1 chain), FN1 (Fibronectin 1) and PINK1 (PTEN-induced putative kinase protein 1) for skin aging, FLG (Filaggrin), KLF4 (Kruppel-like factor 4) and LOR (Loricrin) for skin hydration, GPNMB (Glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B), MLANA (Melan-A) and TYR (Tyrosinase) for skin pigmentation, IGF1 (insulin-like growth factor-1), MPZL3 (Myelin protein zero like 3) and AQP3 (Aquaporin 3) for oily skin and PGF (placental growth factor), CYR61 (cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61), RBP4 (retinol-binding protein 4), TAC1 (Tachykinin precursor 1), CAMP (Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide), MMP9 (Matrix metallopeptidase 9), MMP3, MMP12 and CCR1 (C-C motif chemokine receptor 1) for sensitive skin. Conclusion:Microneedle skin sampling is a new and minimally invasive option for transcriptome analysis of human skin and can be applied for diagnosis and treatment efficacy evaluation, as well as skin type classification.

Microneedles: A novel clinical technology for evaluating skin characteristics

“…Finally, moesin, encoded by MSN , is a cytoskeletal protein that connects the cell membrane protein with actin located below the cell membrane, and serves to signal and regulate the cell membrane proteins. 38 When the expression of moesin genes and proteins was measured in skin with endogenous aging, the expression of moesin was seen to decrease with increasing age; therefore, moesin is used as an important biomarker for skin aging 25 . Among the anti‐aging products used in this study, retinol, also known as vitamin A1, stimulates fibroblasts to promote skin regeneration, improve elasticity, and reduce wrinkles 39–41 .…”

“… 31 The lack of PINK1 is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and increased cell oxidative stress and is closely related to aging and aging‐related diseases; therefore, PINK1 is used as a biomarker for skin aging. 25,32 Further, COL1A1 , which encodes type 1 collagen, is a well‐known biomarker of skin aging. Collagen plays a role in skin binding and elasticity, and decreased COL1A1 expression has been observed in elderly donor fibroblasts and in biopsies of 30 to 45‐year‐old men 33–37 .…”

“…Biocompatible MNs have received considerable attention as tools for skin sampling because they minimize skin damage during use. Studies have recently reported that skin samples obtained using biocompatible MNs can be used to identify biomarkers by skin type and to monitor progress in treatment for patients with atopic dermatitis 25,26 …”

“…Studies have recently reported that skin samples obtained using biocompatible MNs can be used to identify biomarkers by skin type and to monitor progress in treatment for patients with atopic dermatitis. 25,26 In this study, we demonstrate a new technology for evaluating the efficacy of functional cosmetics in humans through collection of skin samples and transcriptomics analysis. After applying anti-aging and anti-pigmentation products designed to penetrate the dermis, we used biocompatible MNs to evaluate the efficacy of the functional cosmetics.…”

PEDOT coated microneedles towards electrochemically assisted skin sampling

“…3,9 Meanwhile, minimally invasive devices such as microneedles (MNs) allow sampling in subsurface skin layers such as the basal layers of the epidermis and into the dermis, while maintaining less patient risk and trauma. 10–13 This allows for the collection of skin tissue for molecular studies without a local anesthetic or suture. 14 For example, using a solid MN is reported to collect small skin samples with minimal pain (based on patient pain scores) for the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA, a biomarker for cutaneous and mucosal warts.…”