Reversing the Effects of Vitiligo using a Synthetic Biology Approach
Department
Biological Sciences
Major
Biological Sciences
Research Advisor
Westenberg, David J.
Shannon, Katie
Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Second Advisor's Department
Biological Sciences
Abstract
Vitiligo is a condition that causes depigmentation of parts of the skin. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, die or are unable to function. It is hypothesized that this device will reverse the effects of vitiligo by targeting dying melanocytes and releasing the peptide hormone a-MSH. Through the binding of a-MSH to the MC1R G-protein coupled receptor, melanin production will be induced through the maturation or switching of melanin type. Melanocyte pH, governed by the P-protein, will determine tyrosinase enzyme activity to control the initial step in melanin production, or TYRP complex formation to begin melanogenesis and melanosomal maturation.
Biography
Mondae is a senior majoring in Biological Sciences, with minors in Chemistry and Studio Art. In addition, Mondae is the current president of the Association for Black Students, and the Corresponding Secretary/Editor to the Sphinx for the Epsilon Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., both here on the Missouri University of Science and Technology campus. As an inclusive, creative, and determined person all his academic career, Mondae has earned the respects of those around him, and now uses his knowledge of his degree path and leadership experience to be a leader at his school and in his community.
Research Category
Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hall
Presentation Date
16 Apr 2014, 9:00 am - 11:45 am
Reversing the Effects of Vitiligo using a Synthetic Biology Approach
Upper Atrium/Hall
Vitiligo is a condition that causes depigmentation of parts of the skin. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, die or are unable to function. It is hypothesized that this device will reverse the effects of vitiligo by targeting dying melanocytes and releasing the peptide hormone a-MSH. Through the binding of a-MSH to the MC1R G-protein coupled receptor, melanin production will be induced through the maturation or switching of melanin type. Melanocyte pH, governed by the P-protein, will determine tyrosinase enzyme activity to control the initial step in melanin production, or TYRP complex formation to begin melanogenesis and melanosomal maturation.
