Discovering Novel Gene Networks for Skin Diseases

Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor ME

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Traditional approaches identify one disease-specific gene (so-called forward genetics) at a time and then work out the molecular pathogenesis. This approach is labor intensive, expensive, slow, and the quality is defined (limited) by the investigator's skills and focused interests. Therefore, the analysis remains incomprehensive and the methods non-standardized. The International Knockout Mouse Program (KOMP 2) will systematically generate mutant mice for all known genes, the function(s) of which are largely unknown. This approach provides an unprecedented opportunity to discover a single gene inactivation affecting normal skin function. The current phenotyping projects provide information on a variety of physiological functions but nothing specifically on histologic changes especially with correlation to human skin disorders. This has been a recurrent problem in many of the large-scale phenotyping projects worldwide. The skin is one of the few organs that can only be properly evaluated by gross (clinical) and histopathological examination. We have previously shown that an experienced histopathologist/basic scientist, especially one with expertise on cutaneous disorders, could rapidly screen large numbers of specimens and integrate the results into an animal model/gene discovery program. This approach provides an advantage over non-focused phenotypic screening approaches by classifying similar cutaneous histopathology into distinct phenotypic groups and by integrating the gene-specific phenotypes into known gene networks. In so doing, new insights and discoveries will be forthcoming at a rapid pace with direct correlation to human skin disorders. We will accomplish our goal by: 1) screening KOMP 2 mutant mice for skin lesions in a systematic fashion; 2) comparing mutant mouse with human cutaneous histopathology for known disorders; and 3) integrating new phenotypic information into known gene networks. Altogether, our comprehensive methodology will rapidly expand our knowledge and research tools on the molecular mechanisms of normal skin biology through defining diseases caused when single genes are mutated.