Epidermal Differentiation and Hair Development and Diseases

Dr. Tongyu Cao, Ph.D. is interested in epidermal differentiation and hair development and diseases, especially inherited skin and hair disorders and skin cancer.  Her laboratory uses cell biology, genetics, developmental biology and molecular biology approaches to analyze mutant mouse models of human skin disorders as well as patient samples in our research.  One of our current projects focuses on a mutant mouse strain called rough coat (rc).  The rc mice develop cyclic and progressive hair loss, sebocyte hyperplasia, as well as spontaneous ulceration of the skin at a high incidence.  These defects could be the result of abnormalities in the keratinocyte stem cells of the hair follicles.  To understand the genetic basis of the rc phenotype development, we recently carried out positional cloning and identified a point mutation in a novel gene, Mpzl3, in the rc mice.  Mpzl3 encodes a protein (MPZL3) predicted to be a transmembrane protein that is likely involved in cell adhesion.  We are currently analyzing the effects of the rc mutation on hair follicle and sebaceous gland development.  In addition, we are interested in the role of MPZL3 in skin cancer.

MPZL3 protein (green) was detected in the keratinocytes of the hair follicles in mouse skin.  The cell nuclei were stained red.

Research Opportunities
 I am looking for enthusiastic and committed undergraduate students to collaborate on various projects.  If you are looking to gain lab experience in biomedical research and are interested in the skin, please email your resume (including a list of science courses taken and a contact phone number) to me.  Whereas previous lab experience is not required, self-motivation and commitment are required.  Because of the nature of the projects and the techniques we use, most likely you will need to spend at least two half days (about 8 hours) per week in the lab if you want a real taste of bench research.  Research during the summer months is also possible.