biostudies-literatureAyuso JMU.S. Department of DefenseUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonNCI NIH HHSNational Institutes of HealthNational Science Foundation1139-1149https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC7990711biostudies-literatureUnknown21(6)Melanoma evolution is a complex process. The role epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts play in this process and the mechanisms involved in tumor-stroma interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we used a microfluidic platform to evaluate the cross-talk between human primary melanoma cells, keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. The microfluidic device included multiple circular chambers separated by a series of narrow connection channels. The microdevice design allowed us to develop a new cell patterning method based on air-walls, removing the need for hydrogel barriers, porous membranes, or external equipment. Using this method, we co-cultured melanoma cells in the presence of keratinocytes and/or dermal fibroblasts. The results demonstrated that the presence of dermal fibroblLab on a chipMicrofluidic model with air-walls reveals fibroblasts and keratinocytes modulate melanoma cell phenotype, migration, and metabolism.PMC7990711AAB7173R01 CA185747R01 CA211082W81XWH-18-PRCRP-IASF (CA181014)CBET-1642287R01 CA164492R01 CA205101NIH P30 P30AR066524Setaluri VRehman SAyuso JMDenecke KMSkala MCHumayun MSadangi SLares MBeebe DJfalseMicrofluidic model with air-walls reveals fibroblasts and keratinocytes modulate melanoma cell phenotype, migration, and metabolism.Melanoma evolution is a complex process. The role epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts play in this process and the mechanisms involved in tumor-stroma interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we used a microfluidic platform to evaluate the cross-talk between human primary melanoma cells, keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. The microfluidic device included multiple circular chambers separated by a series of narrow connection channels. The microdevice design allowed us to develop a new cell patterning method based on air-walls, removing the need for hydrogel barriers, porous membranes, or external equipment. Using this method, we co-cultured melanoma cells in the presence of keratinocytes and/or dermal fibroblasts. The results demonstrated that the presence of dermal fibrobl2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Mar2026-06-04T04:32:43.643Z2026-05-05T03:11:45.565ZS-EPMC79907113353339010.1039/d0lc00988a