Molecular pathways for skin formation

Michael Cangkrama, who has recently
completed his PhD on skin formation

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It forms in utero and is maintained throughout adult life. However, the womb is a more stable and regulated place than the more complex terrestrial environment, and skin function in an embryo and an adult is very different.

What are the molecular mechanisms contributing to the development, regulation and maintenance of the skin structure in utero and post-natally? Why are they different? It comes down to highly conserved genes, largely unchanged from fruit fly to human. These three genes (in mammals) are members of a family of transcription factors known as the Grainy head-like (Grhl) transcription factors that play a role in organ (including skin) development and barrier repair after tissue damage. Grhl1 and 3 are both highly expressed in skin.

Michael Cangkrama wins Young Scientist Skin Research Travel Fellowship

Michael Cangkrama receiving the
award from Birgit Lane, the Executive
Director of the Institute of Medical
Biology, A*Star (Singapore)

Michael Cangkrama, Department of Medicine PhD student, received a top award (Young Scientist Skin Research Travel Fellowships AUD $3500) from the Singapore International Conference on Skin Research 2014 (2-5 March) at which he made both oral and poster presentations. Approximately 300 people attended, and Michael was the only presenter from Monash University. His presentation was entitled, "Coordinate function of the Grainyhead-like transcription factors is critical for maintenance of skin barrier function post-natally". See conference link showing the programme and details of presentations: http://www.skinconferencesingapore.com/programme.html

Michael Cangkrama: What underlies skin diseases?

Michael Cangkrama's research looks at skin development and diseases. His particular topic is "Analysis of the grainyhead-like genes in mammalian development and disease".  Michael is a PhD student in the Department of Medicine, in the Epidermal Development Laboratory and his supervisors are Professor Stephen Jane and Dr Charbel Darido.  To read more, visit: http://www.med.monash.edu.au/cecs/education/profiles/cangkrama.html