Kate Walter
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Elisabeth Pedersen
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Dermatology / Medicine
Program:
Authors: Kate Walter, Elisabeth Pedersen
Session: Session 2: 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Poster: 47
Abstract
Throughout the field of dermatology, it is unclear if EDN-EDNRB signaling functions differ throughout the phases of the hair cycle. EDN is a molecule that is secreted by keratinocytes, which are the majority of cells that make up the hair follicle. Melanocytes, a population of cells that synthesize melanin pigment, express a receptor on the cell surface called EDNRB. This study is interested in seeing if the signaling between keratinocytes and melanocytes affect the hair follicle. Two experiments will be used, one using Dct; GFP mice. These mice have green protein labeled melanocytes that allow easy identification. Hair from the mice will first be plucked and then a drug (BQ788) will be administered. There will hopefully be a difference in hair growth, and possibly white hair growing or a different texture. The skin will be dissected and prepared to further visualize the results. The other experiment will use EDNRB s/sl mice which have a genetic mutation in the EDNRB. A white patch of fur will be plucked as well as an area of black fur will be plucked. The skin and fur will be monitored because we expect a difference in hair growth to occur. There are not any results yet since we have to wait for the mice to be a certain age in order to begin. We expect that there might be a change in hair color after administering a drug to a black mouse and change in hair texture after plucking hair on a spotted mouse.
