In vitro hair follicle (HF) models are currently limited to ex vivo HF organ cultures (HFOCs) or 2D models that are of low availability and do not reproduce the architecture or behavior of the hair, leading to poor screening systems.

To resolve this issue, we developed a technology for the construction of a human in vitro hair construct based on the assemblage of different types of cells present in the hair organ. First, we demonstrated that epithelial cells, when isolated in vitro, have similar genetic signatures regardless of their dissection site, and their trichogenic potential is dependent on the culture conditions. Then, using cell aggregation techniques, 3D spheres of dermal papilla (DP) were constructed, and subsequently, epithelial cells were added, enabling the production and organization of keratins in hair, similar to what is seen in vivo.

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