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