Fellow
Daniel Liu, BA
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Mentor
Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Overview
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) (AD) is one of the most prevalent skin diseases worldwide and is particularly prevalent amongst children. AD is an autoimmune condition where the patient’s own body creates molecules that attack the skin. Through examining skin biopsies of adults, researchers have begun to identify the specific molecules and cells that are responsible for damaging the skin in AD. Drugs have been developed to target and inactivate these disease-causing cells and molecules. However, research in children lag that of adults with this condition. Skin biopsies leaves scars and is an invasive procedure that is typically unacceptable to parents. Therefore, we propose using a noninvasive technique (tape strips) which samples more superficial layers of the skin instead of using traditional skin biopsies which samples deeper layers of the skin. By using tape strips we are more easily able to explore the dysregulation specific to children with AD.
Status
This project was funded through a 2024 PeDRA Research Fellowship Grant.
