The Very Latest: Ulcerative Colitis, Primary Immunodeficiency and Wound-Healing

 

 

Institute Research Student Seminars

Speakers:  Christopher Lamb, PhD student (Transplantation), Alexandra Battersby, PhD student (Transplantation) and Laura Mottram, PhD student (Dermatology)

 

Venue: Seminar room L2.5, 2^nd floor, Leech Building, Medical School

Date and time:  Wednesday 19 March 2014 at 1.00pm

 

Christopher Lamb will present:

 

"The role of αEβ7 integrin-expressing T lyphocytes in ulcerative colitis:

A potential target for therapy?"

 

Whilst the αEβ7 integrin is critical for lymphocyte retention in the intestine, studies exploring pathogenic or protective functions of αEβ7 expressing cells in human ulcerative colitis have, until now, been lacking. Deciphering this phenotype is critical for our understanding of disease pathogenesis and of translational importance with the development of etrolizumab, a humanized antibody specific to the β7 integrin that blocks α4β7:MAdCAM-1 and αEβ7:E-cadherin interactions.

 

Keywords: Ulcerative colitis, αEβ7 integrin, T cell phenotypes

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Alexandra Battersby will discuss:

 

"An Investigation into the Physical and Psychological Health of X-linked Carriers Chronic Granulomatous Disease".

 

X-linked carriers of chronic granulomatous disease are traditionally considered healthy.  This study examines the health problems of the female carriers. It is the largest study to date and demonstrates

that X-linked carriers of CGD have more medical problems than previously considered.

 

Key words:  X-linked CGD, Primary Immunodeficiency, Carriers

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Laura Mottram will speak on:

 

"Wound-induced ATP release and calcium signalling in human keratinocytes"

 

It is known that ATP is released from cells and acts as an autocrine/paracrine signalling molecule. However, the mechanism of release from primary human keratinocytes in response to wounding remains unknown. Additionally, a calcium gradient exists within the epidermis of the skin which is disrupted by wounding causing a calcium wave to spread through cells. The role that wound-induced ATP release plays in calcium wave propagation and oscillations is investigated.

 

Keywords: Wound healing, ATP, calcium

 

Chair:  Catriona Barker, PhD student (Transplantation)