Induction of Invasion and Tubulogenesis in Primary Human Keratinocyte Culture

In this study we used invasion and tubulogenesis assays to measure the morphogenetic potential of primary human keratinocytes in vitro. We also used human embryonic and dermal fibroblasts in coculture with keratinocytes and compared their influence on keratinocyte behavior in these different cell culture systems. The keratinocytes retained morphogenetic potential in vitro. In the presence of embryonic fibroblasts, the keratinocytes formed tubes and invaded collagen gel. A three-dimensional architecture of invasion clusters was reconstructed. We conclude that the cellular mechanisms of invasion and tubulogenesis are similar.