Lab Research
Explore Our Research
Our faculty strive to discover the molecular and cellular basis of diseases affecting the skin. This new knowledge is applied to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases. Research activities include investigating the molecular biology and immunology of the skin, dermato-epidemiology, genetic determinants of skin diseases including skin cancer, and development of gene therapy approaches. Read more about our faculty labs and their latest publications in the categories below.
Research Highlights
The scope of skin disease related research at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå is embodied in the University of Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Anschutz Medical Center Skin Diseases Research Center (UCAMC-SDRC). This NIAMS-funded center focuses on organizing and supporting research to better understand the molecular basis of human autoimmune, inflammatory, developmental, metabolic, and genetic skin diseases. The broad goal of this SDRC is to help member investigators develop models of human skin diseases as research platforms to study molecular mechanisms of disease. This provides us with the opportunity to develop innovative molecular approaches to correct disease processes and explore new treatment approaches.
This center includes a multitude of investigators, many from within the Department of Dermatology along with partnerships from other UCAMC Departments or outside collaborators. The research interests of these investigators are broad: inflammation and immunity; epithelial biology; melanocyte biology; regenerative medicine and stem cell biology; molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; biochemistry; pharmacology; microbiology and virology; genetics and genomics; tissue repair; cutaneous carcinogenesis; and clinical research. This is a rich platform for interdisciplinary discovery in basic and translational research.
This center is built on the strong foundation of three collaborative research teams within the Anschutz Medical Campus, all headed by scientists with an established record of NIAMS-funded research: The Department of Dermatology, the Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, and the Human Medical Genetics Program. There are also strong collaborations with other centers on the AMC, especially the NCI-funded University of Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Comprehensive Cancer Center​.​
Research Faculty in Leadership Roles
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The Gates Institute team is a collaborative group representing a variety of disciplines, dedicated to advancing research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine to accelerate discoveries from concepts to cures. Dermatology professor Dennis Roop, Ph.D., is the associate director of Gates Institute at the University of Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå Anschutz Medical Campus. Dermatology faculty members Dr. Anya Bilousova, Dr. Igor Kogut, Dr. Xiying Fan, and Dr. Yiqun Shellman are also Gates Institute Research Members.
Latest News
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Apr 12, 2022Alopecia Areata, an autoimmune disorder, causes either sudden diffuse hair loss or circular bald patches of the scalp. Long before the "slapping incident" at the 2022 Oscars raised public awareness of the disorder, faculty in the Department of Dermatology were researching treatments for AA. Currently, ongoing studies by Drs. Dunnick, Norris, and Wallace are demonstrating the effectiveness of JAK inhibitors as a treatment for this condition. -
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Mar 28, 2022A new study presented at this year’s annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology found that the majority of TikTok content related to dermatology and skin of color originates with social-media influencers and estheticians, not board-certified dermatologists. The study, led by our own Dr. Robert P. Dellavalle, not only raises concerns but also highlights opportunities for dermatologists to share evidence-based information with online communities. -
Feb 18, 2022CU Medicine Dermatology, our department's clinic at the edge of the Anschutz Medical Campus, is meeting the needs of underserved groups in the Denver/Aurora community, including Medicaid patients, patients of color, and transgender individuals preparing for surgery.