Keeping genetics simple.
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease↗
Biomedical subjects
J L Rees
Publications and source records attributed to J L Rees.
Variation in epidermal housekeeping gene expression in different pathological states.
Using non-radioactive in situ hybridization we studied the expression of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and PolyA+ RNA in psoriasis and normal skin, and GAPDH in epidermis following application of a range of noxious stimuli, including ultraviolet radiation, Sellotape stripping and various irritants. In keeping with what might have been expected from previous results on cell culture of various non-epidermal cell types, expression of these putative control gene products is not constant. We suggest that the use of GAPDH, and possibly other control genes, may lead to error in interpreting experiments using Northern blotting or even RT-PCR of epidermal samples.
Gene Expression↗
Why are scars pale? An immunohistochemical study indicating preservation of melanocyte number and function in surgical scars.
The cosmetic effect of many mature scars is largely due to their paler appearance than the surrounding skin. The aim of the study was to identify whether melanocytes are present and functioning within pale scars. Cryosections from scar and normal tissue were stained with murine monoclonal antibodies mel-5, c-kit and NKI/beteb to detect melanocytes and precursor melanocytes. The mean number of mel-5 immunopositive melanocytes within scar tissue was similar to that seen in normal skin (26, SEM 3.5, versus 28.9, SEM 4.1, per 200 basal cells). Where paired samples were available, there was no statistically significant difference between scar tissue and adjacent skin (95% CI = -7.8 to +4.6, p=0.53). Masson-Fontana stain for melanin was positive in both scar tissue and adjacent normal skin, with no evidence for differences in melanin transfer to keratinocytes. Our results suggest that neither differences in melanocyte number nor melanogenic activity explain the appearance of scars. It would seem likely that a combination of both vascular and optical factors relating to dermal or epidermal characteristics are more important.
Adult↗
Molecular genetic approaches to skin disease: keratins and keratinisation.
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Adult↗