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Researchers use genomic technology to investigate aggressive skin cancer linked to burn scars

Researchers used genomic technology to study Marjolin's ulcer, a rare and highly aggressive skin cancer that grows on chronic burn wounds. The study reveals insights into how keratinocytes switch their function to become cancerous, creating a fertile environment for tumor cells to grow and spread.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeCase study·DateOct 28, 2024

Human skin can be damaged by exposure to thirdhand smoke and electronic cigarette spills

Researchers discovered that dermal contact with nicotine concentrations found in thirdhand smoke and electronic cigarette spills can impair wound healing, increase susceptibility to skin infections, and cause oxidative stress in skin cells. The study suggests that even a short exposure of 24 hours is sufficient to cause skin damage.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAtmosphere·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

Study finds healthy-appearing lupus skin predisposed to flares, rashes

Researchers found that normal-appearing lupus skin contains the same inflammatory signals as skin with rashes, suggesting a primed state for inflammation. The study's findings provide new insights into how UV light triggers rashes in lupus patients and highlight the potential for precision medicine in treating the disease.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Engineers uncover biomechanical effects of skin rubbing

Biomechanical engineers at Tohoku University developed a formula to describe permeability of rubbed skin. The study found that mechanical rubbing causes gaps in the skin's barrier function and can potentially allow transdermal virus infection. Further research is needed to determine the risk of skin damage from face masks.

SourceTohoku University·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·DateAug 28, 2020

Signals from skin cells control fat cell specialization

Research at Kobe University reveals that protein secretions by skin cells, keratinocytes, regulate the differentiation of subsurface skin fat cells into white or brown adipose tissue. The study found that suppressing growth factor proteins BMP2 and FGF21 can decrease white fat cell numbers and increase brown fat cells.

SourceKobe University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJul 25, 2019

Safety in darkness

A Kyoto University team has demystified the process of melanin transport to epidermis using video cameras and chicken tissue. Melanin pigments protect skin from DNA damage by surrounding keratinocyte nuclei, a discovery that could lead to effective dermatological treatments.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 7, 2016

Solving the puzzle of necroptosis

Necroptosis is a crucial physiological process that regulates cell death and tissue function. Researchers have now found that RIPK1 inhibits another inducer of necroptosis, ZBP1, which triggers inflammation when mutated. This study provides new insights into the regulation of necroptosis and its role in chronic inflammatory diseases.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 2016

Closer to the source of the itch

Researchers found that IL-17A stimulates skin cells to express genes maintaining an inflammatory microenvironment, leading to psoriasis. The study identified NFKBIZ gene as playing a significant role in the IL-17A pathway.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalInternational Immunology·DateMay 25, 2016

Scripps research institute scientists discover important wound-healing process

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute discovered a critical role of dendritic epidermal T cells in producing interleukin-17A to promote wound healing. The study found that these skin-resident immune cells function as 'first responders' to skin injuries by producing IL-17A, which wards off infection and promotes wound healing.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateSep 26, 2013

Controlling cell death prevents skin inflammation

A new study published in Immunity reveals that preventing necroptosis in keratinocytes is crucial for preventing skin inflammation. The research found that sensitization of keratinocytes to RIP3-mediated cell death triggers skin inflammation, which could be linked to various chronic or acute skin conditions.

SourceCell Press·JournalImmunity·DateOct 13, 2011