Claire Holtz
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Research Mentor(s): Elisabeth Pedersen
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Dermatology / Medicine
Program:
Authors:
Session: Session 2: 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Poster: 46
Abstract
Keratinocytes and melanocytes communicate with each other during hair growth to coordinate the complex process of hair growth and pigmentation, through a molecule EDN secreted by keratinocytes, and a receptor on melanocytes called EDNRB. However it is unknown how the signals function. This study focuses on how the EDN/EDNRB signaling functions through two different mice models. Eight week old DCT;GFP mice were placed in two groups of those plucked fur or not, then injected with either BQ788 or a PBS control. Skin and fur were monitored with live microscopy, then dissected, prepared and mounted on microscope slides where melanocytes and keratinocytes were visualized using histology and immunofluorescence techniques. In the second model, Ednrb s/sl mice were plucked in one white patch of fur and one black patch of fur at eight weeks of age (due to the telogen resting phase). The skin and fur were monitored using similar techniques, then dissected, prepared and mounted on microscope slides, where the melanocytes and keratinocytes were visualized using histology and immunofluorescence techniques. We look at the skin samples for signs of melanocytes being blocked and less pigment being secreted. This shows whether the communication between EDN/EDNRB is mutual. We predict that EDN/EDNRB signaling will increase during anagen hair growth and is important for growth and survival of both melanocytes and keratinocytes.
