Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2003

Mentor: Mark E. Mummert
Department: Dermatology
Room number: F4.216
Mail Code: 9069
Phone number: 214-648-4593
E-mail: mark.mummert@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Evaluation of hyaluronan distribution and content in murine skin.

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): N/A

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): A3472-01

Project Type (patient-based research, animal-based research, or basic research; this characterization is only to permit a general classification for grouping similar types of projects) Basic Research

Brief Description of Project:

Hyaluronan (HA) is a high molecular weight, unbranched glycosaminoglycan composed of alternating N-acetylglucosamine and glucuronic acid subunits. HA is found to some extent in virtually all tissues, but is found in exceptionally high amounts in the skin. Current histological evaluation of HA is routinely performed using hyaluronan-binding protein (HABP). HABP is derived from bovine nasal cartilage and is composed of 2-3 fragments, depending on preparation. Thus, lot-to-lot variations of HABP are typical and the quality of staining differs among preparations. Moreover, HABP is useful for detecting high molecular weight HA polymers but not low molecular weight HA polymers.
Recently we have developed Pep-1, which is a HA-binding peptide isolated from a phage display library. Pep-1 may have significant advantages over HABP. First, since Pep-1 represents a synthetic peptide, we may be able to reduce variation in the quality of staining. Second, our preliminary data suggests that Pep-1 binds both high molecular weight and low molecular weight HA polymers. Thus, Pep-1 may provide new insights into HA distribution and content in the skin. In this project, we will assess the utility of Pep-1 as a probe for HA in skin. Briefly, cryostat sections of murine skin will be prepared and biotin-labeled Pep-1 used to stain sections. Specificity of Pep-1 for HA will be determined using control peptides as well as enzymatic digestion of HA from skin using Streptomyces hyaluronidase.

Previous Research Activities or Publications with Medical Students:

None.

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