Listen to Story Scientists in Switzerland have successfully created lab-grown human lip cell models for treating lip-related conditions. Lips are essential for communication, eating, breathing, and expressing emotions. However, their unique structure makes them difficult to replicate for research purposes.
However, in a new study published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology , researchers have developed "immortalised" lip cells, which can be reproduced indefinitely in lab settings — a first in lip research. Dr Martin Degen, a researcher of the study, University of Bern, highlighted the significance of lips in facial appearance and functionality. "The lip is a very prominent feature of our face," Degen said, explaining that any damage to this delicate tissue can be highly noticeable and challenging to treat.
Collaborating with the University Clinic for Pediatric Surgery, researchers used donated lip tissue from patients who underwent procedures for conditions such as cleft lip (a birth defect when the upper lip doesn't fully join together) and lip lacerations (lip cut). The team chose to use donated primary lip cells as a starting point. While these cells closely mirror real lip tissue, they have limitations because they are difficult to obtain and cannot be grown indefinitely.
To overcome this, scientists altered specific genes in the cells, creating "immortalised" versions capable of continuous growth without losing their characteristics. After rigorous testing,.