The discoveries made to date and the proposed studies point to an intrinsic role for vitamin D compounds in skin in providing protection from sun damage. As a result of sun exposure, increased concentrations of vitamin D compounds in skin will be generated and this is likely to provide protection against further UV damage, in much the same way as increased pigmentation and increased thickness of the outer layer of skin. Furthermore, the studies are designed to test whether vitamin D compounds wh ....The discoveries made to date and the proposed studies point to an intrinsic role for vitamin D compounds in skin in providing protection from sun damage. As a result of sun exposure, increased concentrations of vitamin D compounds in skin will be generated and this is likely to provide protection against further UV damage, in much the same way as increased pigmentation and increased thickness of the outer layer of skin. Furthermore, the studies are designed to test whether vitamin D compounds which have minimal effects on serum calcium, could nevertheless be used topically in association with a sunscreen or moisturizer to add to sun protection. As Australia has the highest skin cancer rates in the world, this would be of significant health and economic value.Read moreRead less
Is CYP11A1 Critical For The Vitamin D Photoprotective System In Skin?
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$517,567.00
Summary
Sunlight produces DNA damage. When inadequately repaired, this damage produces skin cancer. The vitamin D system in skin helps protect against this skin damage, but the vitamin D compounds involved and how they work is unclear. Recent data shows new vitamin D compounds with photoprotective activity and that vitamin D compounds increased expression of DNA repair proteins. These studies may enable pharmacological enhancement of protection from sunlight.
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF IGF-BINDING PROTEIN-2 MOLECULAR INTERACTIONS IN EARLY DEVELOPMENT AND DISEASE
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,328.00
Summary
Early development involves complex regulation of cell and organ growth. Cell migration and invasion are critical components of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) essential for early developmental, as well as injury repair and cancer. Common to these events is a highly expressed protein, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2), which appears to play a critical role in regulating the processes of cell migration and invasion. The underlying mechanisms of cellular regulation by I ....Early development involves complex regulation of cell and organ growth. Cell migration and invasion are critical components of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) essential for early developmental, as well as injury repair and cancer. Common to these events is a highly expressed protein, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2), which appears to play a critical role in regulating the processes of cell migration and invasion. The underlying mechanisms of cellular regulation by IGFBP-2 are major focus of this proposal, which brings together four major groups focussed on early development, neural injury repair, and cancer biology. We will use a range of in vitro and in vivo approaches to determine the underlying mechanisms of action of this critical protein. This project has the potential to point to novel therapeutic modalities in development, repair and cancer.Read moreRead less