Cell-cell communication and death in diabetic skin wound healing models Glasgow Caledonian University Past award Student: Louise Nugent : Glasgow Caledonian University Year Award Started: 2013 Gap junctions are small channels directly connecting cells and are important in the skin. Expression of the gap junction protein Cx31.1 is associated with cell death (apoptosis). Apoptosis is raised around diabetic wounds that heal slowly, where Cx43 and Cx26 are disturbed but Cx31.1 expression is unknown. HaCat cells will be cultured in a ‘diabetic’ environment, with Cx31.1 and apoptosis levels determined at time points following scrape-wounding, and after UV exposure. Exploring the role of Cx31.1 and apoptosis in wound healing allows mechanistic questions to be addressed and contributes to development of novel therapies to improve treatment of diabetic ulcers. Research area: Metabolic or endocrine conditions Supervisors: Dr Catherine Wright School of Health and Life Sciences Back to all awards