Abstract

We have discovered drugs capable of inducing skin melanin production without producing DNA damage, like UV radiation. This approach protects against UV induced skin cancers in mice. Here, we will evaluate and identify drugs capable of darkening human skin by use of immunocompromised mice containing normal human skin xenografts as a preclinical humanized-mouse skin model.

Public Health Relevance

We have discovered drugs capable of inducing skin melanin production without producing DNA damage, like UV radiation. This approach protects against UV induced skin cancers in mice. Here, we will evaluate and identify drugs capable of darkening human skin by use of immunocompromised mice containing normal human skin xenografts as a preclinical humanized-mouse skin model.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
NIH Challenge Grants and Partnerships Program (RC1)
Project #
5RC1AR058469-02
Application #
7943887
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-MOSS-C (58))
Program Officer
Baker, Carl
Project Start
2009-09-30
Project End
2011-08-31
Budget Start
2010-09-01
Budget End
2011-08-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$489,308
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
073130411
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199

  Publications

Khaled, Mehdi; Levy, Carmit; Fisher, David E (2010) Control of melanocyte differentiation by a MITF-PDE4D3 homeostatic circuit. Genes Dev 24:2276-81
Schulman, Joshua M; Fisher, David E (2009) Indoor ultraviolet tanning and skin cancer: health risks and opportunities. Curr Opin Oncol 21:144-9