Dermal Tissue Repair

A primary cause of skin aging is a decrease in subcutaneous fat, a layer of adipose tissue located beneath the skin. In young and healthy individuals this tissue plumps and fills the skin resulting in a vibrant and youthful appearance. As one ages the amount of subcutaneous fat decreases, and wrinkles and sagging of the skin ensue. An independent analysis of the ability of the ELA cell to differentiate into adipose tissue has revealed very promising results (Lonza, 2013).

Specifically, the potential of ELA cells to differentiate into adipocytes is approximately 4-5 times superior to that of MSCs (see Figure 9), suggesting that ELA-based skin fillers may represent an efficacious manner in which to decrease skin aging and reduce wrinkles. To investigate this possibility further, Parcell has commenced a collaborative study with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center to assess the propensity of ELA cells as compared to adipose stem cells to reduce the effects of aging in mice.