Spring Break
Researching genes behind skin disorders
Transcription factor Ctip2 could help researchers determine activity behind skin disorders
Caitlin Cagle
Issue date: 4/13/09 Section: News
Ctip2 returns. Researchers from the Pharmacy Department at Oregon State have unveiled a new revolutionary discovery for the transcription factor Ctip2.
Previously it had been revealed that Ctip2 played an important role in the development of tooth enamel.
Arup Indra and Mark Leid, professors in the department of pharmacy, have discovered that Ctip2 also has an important part in the development of skin.
"The skin is actually the largest organ in the body and it has many important functions," Indra said. "The skin cells are constantly dying and being replaced by new cells every few weeks. Ctip2 has a tremendous role in building this protective barrier of skin."
Ctip2 could help scientists discover the gene action behind the development of skin disorders. Understanding the processes that Ctip2 goes through could ultimately put a stop to certain disorders.
"It can help skin diseases, like eczema, and the development and functions of the skin. If they go awry, Ctip2 could be the solution we need," Leid said.
The latest Ctip2 discovery and research is being supported by the National Institutes of Health. The NIH provided $1.5 million for the research and its necessary funding.
"I think we need to really understand how it's [Ctip2] working to play such a critical role in skin. We are trying to understand the molecular and genetic levels on how Ctip2 is important to the establishment of a skin barrier to keep bad things out, and ultimately, water in. If we know that, we can start to think about drug design for manipulating this function," Leid said.
Further Ctip2 research can be beneficial to the dermatology world all around.
"It can cure certain diseases, prevent wrinkling and premature skin aging. It can give us the tools necessary to manipulate its functions," Indra said.
Leid and Indra plan to continue their hard work surrounding Ctip2 and hopefully will find the solutions they need.
"We are doing all we can to learn more about Ctip2 and use it to our benefit," Leid said.
Caitlin Cagle, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
Previously it had been revealed that Ctip2 played an important role in the development of tooth enamel.
Arup Indra and Mark Leid, professors in the department of pharmacy, have discovered that Ctip2 also has an important part in the development of skin.
"The skin is actually the largest organ in the body and it has many important functions," Indra said. "The skin cells are constantly dying and being replaced by new cells every few weeks. Ctip2 has a tremendous role in building this protective barrier of skin."
Ctip2 could help scientists discover the gene action behind the development of skin disorders. Understanding the processes that Ctip2 goes through could ultimately put a stop to certain disorders.
"It can help skin diseases, like eczema, and the development and functions of the skin. If they go awry, Ctip2 could be the solution we need," Leid said.
The latest Ctip2 discovery and research is being supported by the National Institutes of Health. The NIH provided $1.5 million for the research and its necessary funding.
"I think we need to really understand how it's [Ctip2] working to play such a critical role in skin. We are trying to understand the molecular and genetic levels on how Ctip2 is important to the establishment of a skin barrier to keep bad things out, and ultimately, water in. If we know that, we can start to think about drug design for manipulating this function," Leid said.
Further Ctip2 research can be beneficial to the dermatology world all around.
"It can cure certain diseases, prevent wrinkling and premature skin aging. It can give us the tools necessary to manipulate its functions," Indra said.
Leid and Indra plan to continue their hard work surrounding Ctip2 and hopefully will find the solutions they need.
"We are doing all we can to learn more about Ctip2 and use it to our benefit," Leid said.
Caitlin Cagle, staff writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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