The LEO Foundation Award 2014 – Gold Award
Grantee: Dr. Kim B. Jensen
Amount: DKK 1,000,000
Grant category: LEO Foundation Awards
Year: 2014
Geography: Denmark
Presented to Ph.D. Kim B. Jensen, associate professor at the Biotech Research and Innovation Centre at the University of Copenhagen.
Dr. Jensen’s research focuses on how the epidermis, the outer layer of the skin, is constantly renewed throughout life in an organised manner by epidermal stem cells. Epidermal stem cells need to be carefully controlled as any imbalance is likely to have devastating consequences. Too little contribution from the stem cells can lead to bleeding ulcers, whereas too much contribution can lead to skin cancer. By examining how stem cells are regulated in the epidermis, Jensen hopes to gain insights into mechanisms responsible for disease development and identify new drugable pathways.
Psoriasis in children
Grantee: Professor Lone Skov, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Gentofte Hospital
Amount: DKK 4,500,000
Grant category: Research Grants in open competition
Year: 2014
Geography: Denmark
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a prevalence of 2-3% in northern Europe. While considerable research exists on adults with psoriasis, there is little research on the condition in children. Identifying key factors associated with psoriasis in childhood may lead to more effective control and possibly even prevention of the condition.
The study aims to determine environmental and genetic risk factors relating to the development of psoriasis in children, the nature of stress related to the child and family, and quality of life. The project also aims to determine the link with risk factors of co-morbidity and the effect of early intensive treatment.
The study is led by Professor Lone Skov, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Gentofte Hospital, Denmark. The team will explore the following hypotheses:
- Risk factors for early onset of psoriasis can be predicted
- Early debut of psoriasis has a significant impact on quality of life and individual and family-related stress
- Early intensive treatment leads to remission
- There is already an increased risk of co-morbidity in children with psoriasis
- Age at debut, risk factors and co-morbidity are related
to the genetic risk.
The study offers a unique possibility to access data from children with psoriasis shortly after diagnosis, which in turn can pave the way for new and improved tools for assessing the impact of the condition on quality of life in a well-controlled study design.