A mouse model of cutaneous inflammation and hyperpigmentation
An often overlooked organ, the skin is the body's first defense against pathogens and temperature loss, as well as the site of vitamin D production. One major characteristic of human skin is the presence of melanin, a protein and pigment that contributes to UV defense and is produced by melanocytes. In contrast, mice have little melanin as a result of few melanocytes residing in the epidermis. Evidence shows that the tyrosine kinase receptor c-kit and its ligand stem cell factor (SCF) induce melanocyte proliferation, melanin production and migration. Additionally, this pathway also regulates mast cells, repositories for inflammatory histamines, cytokines and anticoagulants. These mast cells, along with melanocytes, are capable of becoming cancerous and play roles in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and cutaneous inflammation. With low levels of melanocytes, mice do not exhibit this phenomenon; therefore, a SCF knocked-in mouse line will better replicate human skin and its diseases, allowing for improved research and drug discoveries.
Without genetic intervention, mice are inappropriate models of human skin diseases
This technology produces transgenic mice with significant skin pigmentation compared to wildtype littermates. This mouse model promotes epidermal mast cell and melanocyte development, resembling that of human skin. Moreover, such mice are able to develop hyperpigmentation after inflammation, further suggesting that the model may be used to model human skin diseases. Therefore, unlike current wildtype mice, this technology has the potential to be used as a tool for dermatological research, as well as screens for therapeutic compounds to treat skin conditions.
This mouse model has been generated and shown to function as a model of human skin diseases such as cutaneous inflammation and hyperpigmentation.
Lead Inventor:
B. Jack Longley, M.D.
Applications:
- Can be used to model post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Can be used as a model of human skin
- Can be used to research mastocytosis
- Can be used for finding treatments that involve cutaneous inflammation
Advantages:
- A more reliable model of human skin
- Model can be modified to understand skin tumors and cancers
- May be used as an accurate method of testing topical, cosmetic, and systemic treatments
- As a mouse model, it will be easier to maintain and study for dermatological studies than other mammal models
Patent Information:
Patent Issued (US 6,977,159)
Patent Issued (US 6,989,248)
Patent Issued (US 7,449,309)
Patent Issued (US 6,576,812)
Patent Pending (US 20090136497)
Tech Ventures Reference: IR 897, IR 962