Basic Research
Dr. Yu-Ying He PhD leads the Section’s basic science research program. Her group’s research work addresses the fundamental question of how normal cells respond to environmental carcinogens and evolve into a malignancy. In particular, the laboratory is focused on the role of epitranscriptomics, epigenetics, and autophagy in regulating genomic integrity and cellular homeostasis. Investigations in the lab evaluate the impact of these cellular processes on cancer development and therapeutic resistance, with an emphasis on cutaneous malignancies including squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The group’s long-term goal is to identify previously unrecognized, therapeutically accessible molecular regulatory networks that predict susceptibility to skin cancer, to improve our ability to prevent and treat these important and prevalent diseases.
He Lab Website:
Clinical Research
The Section of Dermatology is working on numerous clinical investigations ranging from investigator-initiated clinical trials, sponsored clinical trials as well as outcomes studies. Our projects help improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of skin diseases, novel treatments, patient and provider education and clinical outcomes. Our research team collaborates across the Biological Sciences Division, integrating insights from basic science, dermatopathology, and other medical specialties such as rheumatology and oncology to conduct comprehensive and collaborative clinical studies. We work closely with pharmaceutical companies and peer academic institutions on multi-institutional projects, enhancing the breadth and depth of our research.
Our Team
The Section of Dermatology work has merited publication in leading medical journals that impact clinical practice and policy. Research forms an important basis for our learners, ranging from medical students to clinical trainees who are active participants in our clinical research studies. Researchers from the Section of Dermatology are frequently invited to present their findings at national and international conferences. The Dermatology clinical research support team includes dedicated staff who help our investigators in study initiation, study logistics as well as data collection. The Section has a Clinical Research Committee made up of clinical research staff and faculty members who review our clinical trials activity as well as provide feedback on new trial proposals. Some of the skin diseases addressed in our clinical trials research are listed below.
Melanoma
Several investigators in the Section are working on outcomes data-analysis studies in the field of melanoma research including mole mapping and total body photography. The section collaborates closely with our colleagues in Oncology and Surgical Oncology through the Cutaneous Oncology tumor board and Cutaneous Oncology Multi-Disciplinary Trials group including clinical trials on cutting edge melanoma therapies.
Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC)
Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of skin cancer in the world. It is imperative that we learn more about the mechanism of action and potential treatment options of NMSCs due to the widespread and growing prevalence of this disease. Prevention, early detection, and novel therapies for early and advanced malignancies are all important avenues for investigation to address the rapid rise of NMSC in our community and beyond. The Section is actively engaged in clinical research exploring pathogenesis and treatment options for NMSC as part of our cutaneous oncology program in collaboration with the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. Our projects in this space include investigator-initiated outcomes research, translational research as well as several sponsored clinical trials.
Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Investigating the molecular basis and treatment options for chronic inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis, eczema, hidradenitis suppurativa and certain types of autoimmune hair diseases is of strong interest for UChicago Medicine. We are currently working on several retrospective data analyses to better understand how the medications we prescribe affect our patients as well as sponsored clinical trials looking at cutting edge therapeutics for these conditions. Additional clinical trials on novel therapeutics for these diseases are also of interest to our faculty members.
Rare Skin Disorders
Research dedicated to understanding and treating less common dermatological conditions or patients with multiple conditions or co-morbidities is a large part of our program. Learning more about various patient populations through research educates clinical practice and creates a more equitable health care system.