YPIE Scientist: Amiyah

Research: Does spinal cord expression of MrgprC11/MrgprX1 change in a mouse model of atopic dermatitis?

Mentor: Dr. Michael Garcia

Study Location: Regeneron

Abstract:

Chronic itch conditions, including atopic dermatitis are known to affect the way that one lives, impacting their quality of life. The urge to itch is caused by the signaling of sensory neurons to the skin, as the receptors send a signal going through the central nervous system and a response is then sent back. MAS-related G protein-coupled receptors (Mrgprs) are classified as a family of receptors. MrgprC11, which is in mice, and its ortholog MrgprX1, which is in humans, have been shown to modulate itch. The peptide, BAM8-22, is expressed when itch or pain is felt. Since MrgprC11 is not strongly detected in mice without itch conditions, the mice are applied with an oxazolone model and were compared to vehicle-treated mice and both groups’ expression of MrgprC11 and BAM8-22. With this model, the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and tissue of the mice were collected and examined. In addition, the mice were videotaped to count and examine the scratching bouts inflicted on themselves. With the model used for this experiment, the receptor of MrgprC11 is heavily expressed in the spinal cord. Along with this discovery, the inflammation of the skin significantly increased as the oxazolone challenges continued on the skin of the mice. With the utilization of fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunostaining, the presence of MrgprC11 was shown to have significantly increased compared to vehicle-treated mice. This shows that the hypothesized result is supported, as the collected DRG’s and tissue has confirmed the expression of both MrgprC11 and BAM8-22. Having a primary focus on this problem that exists in today’s world would eventually improve the quality of life for those with atopic dermatitis and hopefully improve their condition and lifestyle.

Presentation Slides

About this Scientist:

Amiyah Torres gained an interest in science through her exposure to Grey’s Anatomy, leading her to have more curiosity about the science field. She has the aspirations to take up a career in science, particularly relating to neuroscience. She is moving forward with her career path by participating in the YPIE Science Research Class and taking part in the mentorship program at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc.