Abstract
Background
In vitro epidermal keratinocytes(EKs) culture systems are widely used in studying skin biology and differentiation. Recently a monolayer culture method of nail matrix cells(NMCs) has been developed.
Objective
This study was designed to establish a method of culture of NMCs and compared its characteristics with those of EKs.
Methods
Human NMCs were isolated and cultured in a defined medium. Phase contrast microscopic examination, growth rate and ketatin expression were evaluated.