Harvard Catalyst Profiles

Project Goal: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is common in adults and children leading to significant morbidity but the gold standard diagnostic test (patch testing) is subjective. No current treatments are available and allergen avoidance is curative. The biologic underpinnings of ACD is not well understood. The goal of our project is to elucidate molecular markers that can differentiate between allergic contact dermatitis (specifically to what allergen) and other mimickers such as irritant contact dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. The knowledge learned from this research will aid in the development of novel, molecular methods of diagnosis and targeted treatments for ACD. Methods: Patients seen in the dermatology clinic will undergo tape stripping to obtain samples of their skin. The RNA from the skin samples will be extracted for further purification. The purified RNA will undergo RNA sequencing in collaboration with MGH Bioinformatics to identify key molecular signatures in ACD. Role for Student: The student will be actively involved in all steps of the project from recruitment of the patient, tape stripping, RNA purification and processing, and bioinformatic analysis. Prior skills: We look for a highly motivated and dedicated student interested in Dermatology and/or Allergy to carry this project. There is funding already available. While wet lab experience is preferred, it is not necessary and only a small component of the overall project. Bioinformatics experience is a plus but again, not necessary.

Allergic contact dermatitis is a type 4 T-cell driven hypersensitivity reaction. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood. The goals of my research is to gain a deeper understanding of allergic contact dermatitis, its pathogenesis, and its clinical implications through a series of research questions that extend from the bench to the bedside. Students who take a full research year will receive a generous stipend through the MGH Department of Dermatology. There are 3 primary aims of the research project 1) Using available biobanks such as the Mass General Brigham Biobank, All of Us Biobank, and other international biobanks (UK Biobank), we seek to uncover the genetic underpinnings predisposing the development of allergic contact dermatitis. This project requires programming capabilities including statistical packages such as R. 2) Obtain biopsy samples of patients with allergic contact dermatitis in the office. These samples will be submitted to collaborators for single cell RNA sequencing to explore biomarkers associated with allergic contact dermatitis 3) Using the North American Contact Dermatitis Research Group database, students will have the opportunity to publish numerous cross sectional reviews to gain a deeper understanding of allergic contact dermatitis and allergens Most research fellows graduate with > 10 publications, numerous meeting poster/oral presentations, and exposure to majority of the clinical faculty members at MGH Dermatology.