{"id":9264,"date":"2023-10-13T10:01:24","date_gmt":"2023-10-13T08:01:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leo-foundation.org\/en\/?p=9264"},"modified":"2023-10-23T09:20:43","modified_gmt":"2023-10-23T07:20:43","slug":"exploring-skin-diseases-from-bacterias-role-in-atopic-dermatitis-to-gut-microbiome-composition-and-vitiligo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leo-foundation.org\/en\/2023\/10\/13\/exploring-skin-diseases-from-bacterias-role-in-atopic-dermatitis-to-gut-microbiome-composition-and-vitiligo\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring skin diseases \u2013 from bacteria\u2019s role in atopic dermatitis, to gut microbiome composition and vitiligo"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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13 October 2023<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Research elucidating bacteria\u2019s role in atopic dermatitis, investigation into the potential link between gut microbiome composition and vitiligo, and co\u2013creation and implementation of a dermatological care system for one of Canada\u2019s First Nations. This round of research grants in open competition supports 10 new skin research projects.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The LEO Foundation awards over DKK 36 million (EUR 4.9 million) to 10 new and exciting research projects in round two of research grants in open competition 2023. With grantees hailing from Denmark, the US, Canada, the Netherlands, and Norway, these 10 research projects delve into a wide range of research topics \u2013 from Lupus, a major autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system\u2019s attack on the body\u2019s tissues and organs, to Dermatitis Herpetiformis, a blistering skin disorder \u2013 all contributing to important further investigation, strengthening our understanding of skin and skin diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The LEO Foundation\u2019s open competition research grants are awarded to the best skin research projects worldwide, with an aim of improving our understanding of the skin and its diseases, hoping to provide a boost to research across the globe.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A glance into the projects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One project to receive funding is that of Postdoc Blaine Fritz, from the Costerton Biofilm Centre at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. His project investigates the ongoing genetic changes and interactions between bacteria and patients\u2019 skin during the development of atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a common skin disease \u2013 affecting up to 20% of children and 10% of adults \u2013 and the ambition of Blaine Fritz\u2019s project is to elucidate bacteria\u2019s role in this disease, potentially guiding antibiotic treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another funded project is that by Professor Caroline Le Poole, from Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, USA. Caroline Le Poole will investigate the potential link between the gut microbiome composition and vitiligo \u2013 a disorder that causes loss of melanocytes, or pigment-producing cells, which in turn gives rise to the characteristic white patches of skin seen in patients. Research which has been conducted by Caroline Le Poole and her team suggests that specific microbes can influence vitiligo development. The grant will allow further research testing this hypothesis, with an aim to seek therapeutic possibilities \u2013 as well as gain important insights into a skin disease with a large unmet need both in terms of research and treatment options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Associate Professor Ivan Litvinov from McGill University Health Centre, McGill University in Canada is another investigator to receive a grant in this round. The project focuses on eczema and psoriasis, and on co\u2013creating and implementing a culturally sensitive dermatological care system with indigenous partners in the Cree territories in Quebec \u2013 one of Canada\u2019s First Nations. Through the project, Ivan Litvinov will collect both qualitative and quantitative data, with a focus placed on meaningful engagement with patients, healthcare providers, and wider communities to establish sustainable dermatological care for the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can read more about all 10 of the research projects below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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