2026-01-13 東京大学
図1 皮膚で健康状態を検知する「リビングセンサーディスプレイ」の概略図
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長期的なバイオマーカーモニタリングのために皮膚に埋め込まれた生体センサーディスプレイ Living sensor display implanted on skin for long-term biomarker monitoring
Jun Sawayama,Makoto Takeo,Yuki Takayama,Miki Takase,Hoshimi Aoyagi,Aki Takimoto,Saki Mizutani,Maiko Onuki,Satoshi Ikeo,Shogo Nagata,Miho Ogawa,Koji Yano,Takashi Tsuji,Shoji Takeuchi & Hiroyuki Fujita
Nature Communications Published:12 January 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-67384-2
Abstract
This study introduces an approach to biomarker monitoring through the development of a “Living Sensor Display” implanted on the skin, designed for long-term, continuous tracking of biomarkers, such as inflammatory cytokines. By leveraging the natural high selectivity and sensitivity of keratinocyte stem cells (KSCs) to environmental stimuli, we genetically engineered these cells to express fluorescent proteins in response to specific biomarker signals, specifically TNF-α signalling. This innovation allows for the real-time, non-invasive observation, with the only invasive step being the initial implantation, of biomarker levels directly from the skin surface. We constructed tissue-engineered skin with genetically modified KSCs and transplanted it onto mice, where it successfully engrafted long-term, matured to mimic human skin structures, and responsively indicated the presence of TNF-α through visible fluorescence. This living sensor could repeatedly detect inflammatory responses induced by TNF-α and lipopolysaccharides, highlighting its potential for monitoring various physiological and pathological processes over extended periods. This Living sensor display holds promise for advancing health monitoring and disease prevention strategies by enabling continuous, sensitive, and specific in vivo biomarker tracking.
