Skin Tanning and Lightening

Principal Investigator:

The aim of this project is to create models of important ion channels that are involved with skin tan. These ion channels have recently been identified from analysis of Zebra Fish genes (SLC24A5) and human populations and are important for the maturation of melanocytes, which contain melanine, a pigment in skin. Science 310 (5755), 1782. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1116238]. We hope to be able to control both tanning and lightening through a novel safe alternative to UV light. This may also have applications in e.g. age spots or skin blemishes. We are building homology models, creating pharmacophores and searching for compounds that bind to the ion channel. We collaborate closely with Professor Paul Schnetkamp, University of Calgary, Canada. http://www.ucalgary.ca/pp/faculty/primary-members/paul-pm-schnetkamp.

Summary

Date:

Oct 2006 - Apr 2010

Members:

Mr Donatas Zmuidinavicius

Partners & Collaborators:

Unilever