Project Title: Elucidation of the survival characteristics of immature melanocytes in the depigmenting skin disorders vitiligo
Thematic Area: Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Focus of Research: Vitiligo
Overview:
We aim to explore how melanocyte-maturation, including redox-reactive melanin synthesis may trigger an inflammatory response in vitiligo skin. We will model the vitiligo environment to assess how melanocyte maturation is intrinsically related to cell damage in this disease, with the intention of developing ways to stabilise these cells in vitiligo patient epidermis.
Funded by: Janssen and CDSCHC- Newman Fellowship in Dermatological Sciences
PI: Prof. Desmond Tobin
Other Group/team members: Hugo Moreiras
Project Duration: July 2020-June 2022