Abstract: The object of this invention is a method of in vitro identification of a dermal fibroblast as being a papillary fibroblast, a reticular fibroblast or a dermal-hypodermal junction fibroblast (FJDH), comprising a step of measuring the level of an expression product of at least one gene selected from the group consisting in the UCP2 and FGF9, and optionally the COL11 A1 and ACAN genes, and the level of an expression product of the KLF9 gene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dermis equivalent comprising longitudinally at least two distinct juxtaposed dermal compartments of different compositions, along with a skin equivalent comprising this dermis equivalent.

Abstract: Epidermis equivalents capable of pigmentation include cells derived from the differentiation of matrix cells; reconstructed skins comprised thereof, optionally containing hair follicles, are useful for evaluating the effect of topical cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological products and may also be used for the preparation of grafts suited to be transplanted on mammals, more particularly on human patients such as victims of third-degree burns.

Abstract: Epidermis equivalents capable of pigmentation include cells derived from the differentiation of matrix cells; reconstructed skins comprised thereof, optionally containing hair follicles, are useful for evaluating the effect of topical cosmetic, pharmaceutical or dermatological products and may also be used for the preparation of grafts suited to be transplanted on mammals, more particularly on human patients such as victims of third-degree burns.

Abstract: Whether or not a sample of skin or of a skin equivalent contains such amount of a papillary fibroblast population as to be considered a normal skin is determined by labelling said skin or skin equivalent with at least one antibody specific for papillary fibroblasts and evaluating the extent of such labelling as a marker for skin or skin equivalent quality.

Abstract: An aged skin equivalent comprising an epidermis equivalent and an aged dermis equivalent, wherein the aged dermis equivalent comprises glycated collagen. An aged dermis equivalent, the epidermis equivalent obtained and methods of producing the aged skin and/or aged dermis equivalent and/or the epidermis equivalent.

Abstract: Whether or not a sample of skin or of a skin equivalent contains such amount of a papillary fibroblast population as to be considered a normal skin is determined by labelling said skin or skin equivalent with at least one antibody specific for papillary fibroblasts and evaluating the extent of such labelling as a marker for skin or skin equivalent quality.

Abstract: An aged skin equivalent comprising an epidermis equivalent and an aged dermis equivalent, wherein the aged dermis equivalent comprises glycated collagen.

Abstract: An aged skin equivalent comprising an epidermis equivalent and an aged dermis equivalent, wherein the aged dermis equivalent comprises glycated collagen. An aged dermis equivalent, the epidermis equivalent obtained and methods of producing the aged skin and/or aged dermis equivalent and/or the epidermis equivalent.

Abstract: An aged skin equivalent comprising an epidermis equivalent and an aged dermis equivalent, wherein the aged dermis equivalent comprises glycated collagen. An aged dermis equivalent, the epidermis equivalent obtained and methods of producing the aged skin and/or aged dermis equivalent and/or the epidermis equivalent.

Abstract: An aged skin equivalent comprising an epidermis equivalent and an aged dermis equivalent, wherein the aged dermis equivalent comprises glycated collagen.

Abstract: Whether or not a sample of skin or of a skin equivalent contains such amount of a papillary fibroblast population as to be considered a normal skin is determined by labelling said skin or skin equivalent with at least one antibody specific for papillary fibroblasts and evaluating the extent of such labelling as a marker for skin or skin equivalent quality.

Abstract: A process for evaluating the type A ultraviolet radiation induced damage to the skin and/or the dermis. The invention also relates to a method of evaluating substances capable of modulating the damage induced in the skin and/or dermis by type A ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a skin substitute composed of a dermis equivalent covered with an epidermis equivalent. The dermis equivalent is a film formed from a type I collagen gel containing fibroblasts. The epidermis equivalent incorporates a basal membrane equivalent, basal layer cells, in a palisade arrangement attached to the membrane equivalent by hemidesmosomes, cells of the suprabasal layers, granular cells, and flat, keratinized cells arranged near the free surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for obtaining a skin substitute and the skin substitute itself. According to this process, a dermis substitute is prepared by mixing contractile cells, a nutritive medium, and collagen, in order to form a contracting gel; this dermis substitute is used as a substrate for an epidermis substitute obtained by culturing, using keratinocytes from an animal or human skin sample. According to the invention, the substrate is implanted with at least one section of a hair follicle retaining at least partially its cellular sheath, this section being implanted perpendicularly to the free surface of the substrate.