# Core B STEM

> **NIH NIH P30** · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $225,722

## Abstract

Skin culture models serve as a key tool for understanding normal and diseased skin in well-controlled culture
systems that empower investigators to probe skin biology with a rigorous model for mechanistic analysis. 3D
skin culture models using primary cells are especially powerful as they closely mimic skin morphogenesis,
differentiation, and mechanical properties, leading to a physiologically-relevant tissue architecture. This model
is particularly applicable to study mechanisms that govern tissue development, homeostasis and disease. The
Skin Tissue Engineering and Morphology (STEM) Core enables SBDRC researchers to apply primary skin
culture models in their research program. Towards this aim, the STEM Core provides training, services,
specialized equipment, and materials for the initiation, maintenance, processing, and analysis of primary human
skin cell cultures, i.e., keratinocytes, melanocytes, fibroblasts, neurons, and immune cells (with the TEST IT
Core). The STEM Core also generates short- and long-term mouse keratinocyte cultures for studies aimed at
defining the cellular and molecular basis of skin defects evident in engineered mouse models. Users have access
to a large supply of primary human keratinocytes isolated from neonatal foreskin, female and male adult skin,
and a library of patient keratinocytes. We endeavor to maintain a diverse cell bank with donors of various
demographics (age, gender, race, body site, and disease). In collaboration with GET iN Core, the STEM Core
optimized methods for viral, pharmacological, and genetic reprogramming of primary skin cells, including induced
pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Our efforts will also focus on investigator-driven research and development to
customize 3D cultures and extend their applicability to address multiple aspects of skin biology from a variety of
disciplines including allergy, drug discovery, materials engineering, and chemistry. Training and provision of 3D
organotypic models of human epidermis established from control and patient skin cells allows investigators to
address skin biology in an architecturally appropriate manner where multiple cell types can interact with one
another.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9999406
- **Project number:** 5P30AR075049-02
- **Recipient organization:** NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Kathleen Janee Green
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $225,722
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-20 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9999406

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9999406, Core B STEM (5P30AR075049-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9999406. Licensed CC0.

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