Deciphering the Role of Non-Coding RNAs in Epidermal Carcinogenesis
Grantee: Andor Pivarcsi, Senior lecturer/Associate Professor, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology (IMBIM), Uppsala Universitet, Uppsala
Amount: DKK 4,164,300
Grant category: Research Grants in open competition
Year: 2020
Geography: Sweden
The goal of this project is to investigate the potential role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs, RNA molecules, which do not function through coding for protein, but by regulating other genes) in the development of the most common form of skin cancer with metastatic potential – Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Such RNAs are known to be key regulators of multiple cellular functions, tissue development and homeostasis, but their role in SCC is not clear. Andor Pivarcsi and his team have identified a group of long non-coding RNAs that have altered expression in this disease. As these lncRNAs may prove to be key players both in the development of cutaneous cancers and in the maintenance of normal skin homeostasis, they now want to investigate their function.
Andor Pivarcsi and his team will do so by defining the role and mechanism of action of selected lncRNAs by a combination of methods, including inhibiting them with anti-sense oligonucleotides, that will effectively prevent their association with natural binding partners. The results will improve our understanding of long non-coding RNAs in cutaneous malignancies and may pave the way towards improved antisense oligonucleotide-based skin cancer therapy.
Andor Pivarcsi is a former LEO Foundation Silver Award Winner (2010).
Rapid Clinical Assessment of Skin Barrier Function by Corneocytes Nanotexture
Grantee: Edwin En-Te Hwu, Associate Professor, Technical University of Denmark
Amount: DKK 2,824,593
Grant category: Research Grants in open competition
Year: 2020
Geography: Denmark
The goal of this project is to develop a clinically applicable imaging method for evaluation of atopic dermatitis (AD) development, progression and impact of therapeutic intervention.
It is known that AD is closely linked to the status of the skin barrier and therefore Edwin En-Te Hwu and his team will utilize a newly developed biomarker for skin barrier function, the Dermal Texture Index. This index is based on the number of circular nano-objects found on corneocytes (skin cells in the outermost part of the epidermis) of the skin by atomic force microscopy (AFM). However, the current analytical setup is both costly and has a limited throughput which makes it less suitable in a clinical setting.
The team has recently developed a new AFM technique and now aims to develop ‘Dermal AFM’, which will allow a ten times higher throughput in a clinically applicable unit. The unit may also help facilitate the understanding of the biology behind the observed corneocyte nanostructures.
The project is a collaboration between Denmark, Netherlands and Taiwan headed by DTU Health Technology.
Targeting Aberrant STAT3 Signaling in CTCL
Grantee: Sergei Koralov, Associate Professor, NYU Langone, NY
Amount: DKK 2,676,248
Grant category: Research Grants in open competition
Year: 2020
Geography: USA
The goal of this project is to elucidate the mechanism behind the beneficial effects of atovaquone, a well-tolerated anti-microbial drug, on the rare type of skin cancer – the T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). It is known that atovaquone inhibits malignant cells from growing and may induce cell death, but the precise mechanism(s) is not known.
Sergei Koralov and his team have previously developed an animal model of the CTCL disease and will use this along with cells from patients to investigate the effects of atovaquone. Specifically, they will look at how the drug affects the gene regulating protein STAT3 as hyperactivation of this has shown to be critically important in the development of cancerous T-cells.
Given the outstanding tolerability of atovaquone, it is believed that if its mode of action can be deciphered it may prove a powerful tool in the future for treatment of malignant and inflammatory diseases.
Global Psoriasis Atlas Phase II (GPA 2020-2023)
Grantee: Professor Chris Griffiths, University of Manchester
Amount: DKK 8,000,000
Grant category: Standalone grants
Year: 2020
Geography: United Kingdom
Psoriasis is a significant, life-long and currently incurable skin disease, which, according to the first edition of the Global Psoriasis Atlas (GPA), affects at least 60 million people worldwide.
The need to understand and uncover how psoriasis impacts both the individual and society at large is in demand. The Global Psoriasis Atlas is a long-term project that seeks to become the ‘go-to’ evidence-based resource within the understanding of psoriasis and its effects on people and society all over the World.
GPA Phase II (2020-2023)
The GPA Phase II is focused on continued research to establish robust data that address existing knowledge gaps within psoriasis on epidemiology, improving diagnosis, comorbid disease and economic impact.
Furthermore, if sufficient and robust data are available, the plan is to perform a pilot implementation study as part of GPA Phase II.
Addressing these key areas and how they differ between countries and regions will support the aim to provide better access to care for people with psoriasis worldwide.
Background
With a mission to ‘ensure that people with psoriasis, wherever they live in the world, have access to the best available care. The grant for the first version of the GPA was granted to Professor Griffiths and the University of Manchester in 2016.
The LEO Foundation has been main funder of the development of the first edition of the GPA through a 3-year grant of DKK 6,370,000 from 2017 – 2020. The GPA project has in its first three years focused on research into the global prevalence and incidence of psoriasis – resulting in the first edition of the GPA website which can be accessed free of charge here: Global Psoriasis Atlas online
The LEO Foundation Award 2020 – Region EMEA
Grantee: Dr. Ning Xu Landén
Amount: USD 100,000
Grant category: LEO Foundation Awards
Year: 2020
Geography: Sweden
Ning Xu Landén is an Associate Professor in experimental dermatology and venereology at the Department of Medicine, Solna at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden where she leads a successful research group. She is the author of around 50 scientific articles with more than 3000 citations.
Ning Xu Landén receives the award in recognition of her high impact research in wound healing.
The LEO Foundation Award 2020 – Region Americas
Grantee: Dr. Ya-Chieh Hsu
Amount: USD 100,000
Grant category: LEO Foundation Awards
Year: 2020
Geography: USA
Ya-Chieh Hsu is the Alvin and Esta Star Associate Professor at the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology at Harvard University, Cambridge, USA.
Ya-Chieh Hsu receives the award in recognition of her research achievements in studying cell-cell interactions and how systemic changes in the body influence these interactions in the skin.