Detection of genes that control skin formation

Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a gene in the human body that controls skin development, their study may contribute to resolving skin diseases such as eczema, or scabies or even skin wrinkles due to aging.

The absence or loss of this gene's expression, called CTIP2, may be the cause of some skin disorders, and understanding how genes work can provide a solution to these diseases.

Arup Indra, OSU pharmacist, said: 'We found that CTIP2 is a factor that helps control different levels of skin development, including the final stage of formation of the protective layer. It is also very important for lipid synthesis, related to some skin diseases as well as premature wrinkles and skin aging. '

The study, conducted in collaboration with Mark Leid, professor of medicine at OSU, was recently published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. The research was funded by the National Academy of Medicine with a total of 1.5 million dollars.

Skin is the largest organ in the human body, and has important functions in protecting people from infection, toxins, bacteria and solar radiation. Cells are constantly dying and replaced by cells. In fact, human skin refreshes itself every 3 to 4 weeks. Wrinkles are a sign of slow skin regeneration, appearing naturally with age.

The skin from an experimental mouse lacks the CTIP2 gene and thus has incomplete skin development and lack of protection. (Photo: Oregon State University)

In recent years, scientists have made significant progress in understanding skin development, and have recently been able to reprogram adult skin cells into adult embryonic cells. .

Indra said: 'When you think about treatments for skin diseases or the effects of skin aging, you're basically trying to find ways to regulate the gene network inside the cell and make sure they're real. does my job well. We believe that CTIP2 is the direct control agency. The next step is to find a way to change its expression. '

One of the ways that tall ancient plants and other compounds can complete skin rejuvenation work, Indra said, is to stimulate gene expression. A more complete genetic understanding of genes can allow this process to be done technically, effectively and permanently.

Refer:
Olga Golonzhka, Xiaobo Liang, Nadia Messaddeq, Jean-Marc Bornert, Adam L Campbell, Daniel Metzger, Pierre Chambon, Gitali Ganguli-Indra, Mark Leid and Arup K Indra.Dual Role of COUP-TF-Interacting Protein 2 in Epidermal Homeostasis and Permeability Barrier Formation.Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008;DOI: 10.1038 / jid.2008.392