The U-M Skin Biology and Diseases Resource-based Center (UM-SBDRC) hosted its 2nd annual symposium on March 4, 2021, featuring world-renowned dermatologic scientist, Richard Gallo, M.D. Ph.D. as keynote speaker. Dr. Gallo presented his pioneering work examining the role of the skin microbiome in innate immunity and human disease to more than 100 participants at this year’s virtual event. The symposium also highlighted ongoing research sponsored by UM-SBDRC Pilot and Feasibility funding, as well as information about the Center’s core resources, programs and services.
In addition, a dozen researchers presented their work via virtual poster sessions with breakout room Q&A discussion. Several posters were awarded 1st, 2nd and 3rd place recognitions for outstanding work (see below). Supported by a NIH NIAMS P30 award, the UM Department of Dermatology and Medical School, the UM-SBDRC fosters new and established investigators in their pursuit of innovative skin research. Those interested in cutting edge skin research are invited to join us at an upcoming Speaker Series lecture and to learn more about the Center’s resources and members.
Poster presentation winners:
1st place: Erez Cohen, Ph.D. (Research Fellow, Cell & Developmental Biology, University of Michigan) - "Roles and regulation of nuclear keratins in cellular stress response and psoriasis"
2nd place: Swati Bhattacharyya, Ph.D. (Research Supervisor, Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), University of Michigan) - "A20 and its repressor DREAM expression govern susceptibility to fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc)"
2nd place: Swarna Bale, Ph.D. (Research Fellow, Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), University of Michigan) - "Novel Targeting of Intracellular Fibro-inflammatory Kinases TAK1 and IRAK4 for the Treatment of Systemic sclerosis"
3rd place: Shannon Estadt (Graduate Student Research Assistant, Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), University of Michigan) - "Interferon alpha promotes extrinsic apoptosis of keratinocytes following exposure to ultraviolet B radiation"
3rd place: Mrinal Sarkar, Ph.D. (Assistant Research Scientist, Dermatology, University of Michigan) - "STING-IFN-κ-APOBEC3G pathway mediates resistance to CRISPR transfection in keratinocytes"
3rd place: Mehrnaz (Nazy) Gharaee-Kermani, Ph.D. (Research Lab Specialist, Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), University of Michigan) - "Interferon kappa Enhanced Psoriasis Disease Severity"
