Basic Research
The Laboratory of Molecular Dermatology has been recently established to address basic and translational sciences in dermatology with emphasis on:
- Role of extracellular matrix molecules in skin ageing, wound healing and cancer
- Pathophysiology of autoimmune skin diseases
Our Research Missions include:
- Developing novel diagnostic and treatment methods for Skin Disorders
- Providing basic science training to dermatology residents and medical students
- Training future scientists
Reza F. Ghohestani, MD., PhD.
Dr. Ghohestani is both a molecular biologist and immuno-dermatologist whose expertise in identification and molecular characterization of dermal-epidermal proteins has broadened our understanding of the underlying molecular defects in blistering skin disorders. Dr. Ghohestani is the co-editor of European Journal of Dermatology. He has recently identified a novel autoimmune disease characterized by glomerulonephritis and skin blisters with IgG autoantibodies to a5 chain of type IV collagen. His group was the first to identify a subset of linear IgA disease with autoantibodies to the 180 and 230 kDa bullous pemphigoid antigens.
His group continues to study novel target antigens in autoimmune skin diseases, including laminin-5 and a novel 168-kD antigen implicated in the pathogenesis of cicatricial pemphigoid as well the dermatitis herpetiformis autoantigen.
Dr. Ghohestani's group is developing in vivo mouse models for blistering skin diseases in order to obtain a better insight about the pathogenesis of these devastating dermatoses.
Specifically, his interests center on:
- Molecular characterization of target antigens in autoimmune blistering skin diseases
- Development of in vivo models of blistering skin diseases by DNA immunization
- Role of cell/matrix molecules in wound healing
- Effect of cutaneous ageing and UV exposure on expression of extracellular matrix molecules
Dr. Ghohestani's works were presented in more than 140 national and international meetings. He has received several national and international awards and fellowships including:
- Rene TOURAINE Foundation for Dermatological Research Fellowship, St. Louis Hospital, Paris
- Charles GRUPPER-French Society of Dermatology Award, Paris
- Regional UNESCO-Kharazmi Research Award in Medical Research
- French Foundation for Medical Research Fellowship (Fondation pour la Recherche Medicale), Paris
- International Ligue of Dermatological Societies Fellowship, Sydney
- French Foundation (Foundation de France) Award in Medical Research, Paris
- European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Yamanouchi Research Fellowship Award, Dublin
- Research Scientist Career Development Award, American Skin Association, New York
- Robert Degos Award for Best Publication in Dermatology Research, French Society of Dermatology, Paris
- American Association of Immunologists Junior Faculty Award, New Orleans
- Stelwagon Award for Best Publication in Dermatology Research, College of Physicians of Philadelphia
- Johnson Award for Dermatology Research, College of Physicians of Philadelphia
- Commitment to Professional Competence, Pennsylvania Medical Society, Hershey, PA
- Physician-Scientist Career Award, Dermatology Foundation, San Francisco
Bijaya Kumar Nayak, PhD
- Role of p53 and p53-related genes in cell growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis in response to DNA damaging agents and anti-cancer drugs
- Role of Bcl-2 family genes in apoptosis regulation and targeting them with anti-cancer drugs and natural dietary compounds
- Transcriptional regulation and modulation of anti-apoptotic Mcl-1 gene expression
- Effects of radiation and anti-cancer drugs on Genomic Transcription – Microarray analysis
Naveen K. Krishnegowda, MD
- Analysis of human cancer cell lines and tumor tissue to determine expression and activation of proteins
- Elucidation of signal transduction pathways leading to development and progression of cancer
Erik V. Verona, PhD
- Molecular Biology - PCR, RT-PCR, RNAi, site-directed mutagenesis
- Protein Biochemistry – Protein engineering, expression, purification, FPLC, ELISA, Western
- Cell Culture and Manipulation - Bacterial, insect, mammalian
- Animal Models - Experimental design, survival surgery, necropsy, establishing cell lines from tumor tissue
- Clinical - Currently training for CRA/CRC certification, experience working in cGMP manufacturing facility
- Leadership - Writing SOP’s, training graduate students and lab techs in Molecular Biology and Protein Purification
