Predicting Contact Allergy in Skin without Animal Testing: A Proteomics Approach Event
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For more information regarding this event, please telephone Kim Lipscombe on 02380 59 7747 or email K.R.Lipscombe@soton.ac.uk .
Event details
Erika's research interests lie within the field of proteomics, using cutting edge mass spectrometry to identify protein biomarkers of disease progression and treatment as well as developing qualitative and quantitative methods that enable the identification of protein biomarkers that are present within samples in low abundance. Her technical expertise includes the preparation and mass spectrometry analysis of complex samples such serum, tumour tissue and skin as well as 3-D skin models, cell lines, interstitial fluid and chemically modified model proteins.
Abstract:
Allergic Contact Dermatitis is a delayed-type hypersensitivity response to small chemicals occurring in two stages; initiation during which sensitisation is acquired, and elicitation which is characterized by an inflammatory skin reaction. Both phases are mediated by the covalent modification of skin proteins by a chemical sensitizer (haptenation).
My work involves the use of mass spectrometry to better enhance our understanding of the haptenation events during skin sensitisation and the global effect on the skin proteome. It may then be possible to integrate this scientific evidence to better inform risk assessment decisions to establish safe levels of human exposure to sensitising chemicals using non-animal approaches.
Speaker information
Dr Erika Parkinson,Centre for Biological Sciences, University of Southampton