- A dental researcher at the University of Pennsylvania noted the presence of skin lesions similar to atopic dermatitis during a study with mice.
- Researchers found that atopic dermatitis may develop differently than previously thought.
- The researchers learned that fibroblast dysregulation contributes to atopic dermatitis development through RNA analysis.
- This revelation still needs more research, but it has the potential to shape the development of new atopic dermatitis treatments.
A new study published in the journal Science Translational Medicinepresents new insight into how atopic dermatitis (AD) develops. The study examined the appearance of lesions in genetically modified mice because the lesions were similar to how AD presents in humans.
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Tennessee did RNA analysisTrusted Source on both the modified mice and human samples and found some similarities.
RNATrusted Source, or ribonucleic acid, is found in all living cells. It is the messenger that carries instructions from DNA.
The human body uses RNA to construct cells, respond to immune challenges, and carry proteins from one part of the cell to another, according to Shurjo K. Sen, Ph.D.Trusted Source, program director at the National Human Genome Research Institute.
Researchers often conduct RNA analysis to study gene expression. It is an essential tool for molecular diagnostics, such as assessing cancer and detecting viruses like HIV.
Using RNA analysis, the researchers created a monoclonal antibody treatment and saw improvement in the mice.
