Axolotls help to reveal keratinocytes, not fibroblasts, make collagen for healthy skin

The skin consists of two primary layers. The epidermis, the outer layer, consists mainly of keratinocytes, while the deeper dermis blood vessels, nerves and structural proteins such as collagen contains that give the skin strength and texture. It was traditionally assumed that fibroblasts – specialized supporting cells in the dermis – play an important role in producing collagen.

In humans, collagen is formed before and after birth. It is believed that fibroblasts play an exclusive role in the production of collagen in the skin, and no keratinocytes contribute to the production of collagen. The statement “Collagen production in human skin is achieved by fibroblasts” is an unspoken agreement in the field of skin research.

In a study published in however Nature communication On February 24, 2025, scientists from Okayama University, Japan, have long -existing faith. With the help of the transparent skin of Axolotls, an aquatic amphibian that is widely used in research into dermatology, they discovered another mechanism for dermal collagen formation.

To keep track of the development of collagen, the researchers investigated the Axolotl skin in various growth phases-5 cm, 8 cm, 10 cm and 12 cm long-term advanced fluorescence-based microscopy techniques. At 5 cm, the skin of the Axolotl consisted of an epidermis with keratinocytes and a thin, fibroblast -free collagen layer in the dermis, which they called the stratum coniunctum.

As the Axolotl grew, the collagen layer was thickened and only later fibroblasts started to migrate in it, which ultimately formed three different dermal layers under the epidermis: the stratum Baladachinum, Stratum spongiosum and stratum compact. Each of these layers had a unique collagen structure that did not match the original pattern of the stratum coniunctum.

Because collagen was already present before fibroblasts began to contribute the dermal collagen formation, the team searched for the source of collagen production by a new collagen labeling technique that can clarify newly synthesized collagen fibers. The results were surprising: strong fluorescent signals were detected in collagen fibers made by keratinocytes, no fibroblasts.

“Until now, it has been thought that fibroblasts make the most important contribution to the skin collagen. All efforts in the cosmetic sciences and the medical examination of the skin have focused on fibroblast regulation. But the current study requires a change in mindset. We have clarified that keratinocytes are mainly responsible for dermal collagen formation Student at the Graduate School of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology at Okayama University.

Further research showed that keratinocytes produce collagen in a structured, grid -like arrangement on their lower surface. Later, fibroblasts migrated, who have a scheduled structure and finger -like projections, to this collagen layer, change and strengthen.

To confirm that this process is not unique for Axolotls, the researchers investigated other vertebrates, including zebra fishing, chick embrryos and embryos for mammals (mouse). Their findings were consistent in all species, which suggests that keratinocytes-driven collagen production is an evolutionary mechanism.

Insight into how collagen forms before birth is crucial for tackling skin aging and developing new treatments for collagen -related disorders. “Axolotls can keep a good skin texture and appearance for a long time. I mean, they have a kind of eternal youth,” says Professor Akira Satoh of Okayama University.

“This may be because they continue to produce collagen in keratinocytes for a long time. On the other hand, we can people manage the production of collagen in keratinocytes after birth. If we can clarify the mechanism that Axolotls enables us to produce collagen who produce collagen, just like Axolotl.

This discovery reforms our understanding of skin biology and can lead to breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, wound healing and cosmetic formulations. Current skin care products focus primarily on fibroblast activity, but future treatments may have to concentrate on stimulating collagen production driven by keratinocytes instead.

By overthrowing a decades of faith, this research paves the way for a new era in skin care science and one that could bring us a lifetime closer to maintaining a youthful, resilient skin.