Project

Characterization of pro-inflammatory signaling in keratinocytes

Code
31526615
Duration
01 January 2015 → 31 December 2017
Funding
Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO)
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Immunology
    • Immunology
    • Immunology
Keywords
signal transduction characterisation
 
Project description

Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. When activated, they can stimulate cutaneous inflammation and abnormal keratinocyte behavior plays a role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease that affects skin and other organs and leads to impaired quality of life. Approximately 2 to 3% of the worldwide population suffers from this debilitating condition, the origins and causes of which are currently poorly
understood. Recently, the CARMA2 gene has been identified as a psoriasis susceptibility gene. Little is known about the biochemical function and physiological role of the CARMA2 protein. We have obtained evidence for a role of the paracaspase MALT1 in CARMA2 mediated pro-inflammatory signaling in keratinocytes. The aim of this project is to further unravel the CARMA2/MALT1-mediated signaling cascade in keratinocytes and to characterize the specific role of MALT1 and CARMA2 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis using mouse genetic engineering and mouse models of skin inflammation.