OUR RESEARCH

Our research team led by Dr. Animesh A. Sinha at the New York Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Medical College of Cornell University is undertaking a non-profit research project involving the genetics of several inflammatory/autoimmune skin disorders including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and lupus erythematosus. This project, "Human Gene Expression Mapping in Skin Disease," is supported in part by grants from several non-profit organizations, and the studies have been given Institutional Review Board approval.

Our experimental strategy is to use the most current molecular techniques to identify and study the genes responsible for these skin diseases. We will analyze the expression of disease-related genes using "gene chips," a revolutionary technology that allows us to screen for thousands of genetic sequences simultaneously. Ultimately, we wish to find the links in the genome that render people susceptible to these diseases. It is our short-term goal to gain a better understanding of why some individuals are pre-disposed to these diseases and to identify those individuals at risk. Over the long term, our goal is to use this information to point us towards new and innovative therapies for these diseases.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

We are interested in recruiting patients who are afflicted with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern baldness), alopecia areata, or lupus erythematosus with skin involvement. The success of our project is critically dependent upon recruitment of eligible subjects. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and would be greatly appreciated. Following completion of an informed consent form, you will be asked to complete a questionnaire concerning your medical history and your experience with the skin condition. In addition, you will be asked to have a skin biopsy performed at the New York Presbyterian Hospital at a time that is convenient.

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you have any questions or are interested in participating in the study please call me, the study coordinator, Hadley King, at 212-746-6554, or e-mail me at DermatologyResearch@med.cornell.edu. I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.