Grant: Catalyst Grant: Pilot Projects in Aging

A hot topic in the field of scientific research today is the issue of tissue regeneration-the concept of repairing damaged tissues to restore their integrity. Normally the skin undergoes a well-orchestrated differentiation process to maintain barrier function. Genetically programmed aging causes biochemical changes in the skin causing a reduction in its firmness and elasticity. The genetic program for each person is different, so the loss of skin firmness and elasticity occurs at different rates and different times in one individual as compared with another. Another important component of the skin that is diminished with age is its barrier function-causing the skin to become more permeable and susceptible to chemicals, UV light and dehydration. This aging of the skin can be attributed to chronological age or photoaging (exposure to environmental stresses such as chemicals and UV light). Therefore, the global objective of the research described here is to investigate the aging skin and to better understand the biological basis of a healthy aging skin.