Award
National Institute of General Medical Sciences 5R16GM149512-04
Dermal-Epidermal Junction Disruptors: Toxicodynamic Mechanisms
Recipient
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY
Award Amount
$164,000.00
Ceiling
$164,000.00
Awarded
June 19, 2026
Identifier
5R16GM149512-04
Research project funded by NIGMS to study mechanisms of skin blistering caused by chemical agents, aiming to find targets to reduce blistering and restore skin integrity.
Description
The project investigates the toxicodynamic mechanisms of dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) disruptors, including chemicals like sulfur mustard, lewisite, and chemotherapy drugs such as mechlorethamine (MEC), paclitaxel, and liposomal doxorubicin. It aims to understand how these agents cause blistering by studying the roles of mast cell mediators (histamine, tryptase), neutrophil mediators (MPO, MMP-9), and keratinocyte collagens (COL4, COL17). The research involves topical exposure in mice, analysis of tissue samples via histology, ELISA, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, as well as studies on human 3D skin cultures. The goal is to identify targets for reducing blistering and restoring skin integrity.