Improving understanding of KP (version 1)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Improving understanding of keratosis pilaris: What are the molecular drivers of the primary abnormalities in KP?
IRAS ID
297217
Contact name
Sara J Brown
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Research Summary
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is dry, bumpy skin condition that affects many people. It is most often seen on the upper, outer aspects of the arms in children and young adults. There is no effective treatment, but it may improve through adulthood.
Some people have more severe and widespread KP, which is uncomfortable and cosmetically embarrassing. The underlying cause for KP is not known, but it does run in families, showing that genetic make-up plays a role in causing this condition and one gene - FLG - is known to cause dry scaly skin as well as KP.
The aim of this research is to study which genes are active in skin affected by KP compared to normal skin. This could help us to understand the genetic causes of KP, which in turn could allow the development of more specific and more effective treatment.
Summary of Results
The skin sample obtained in the study was analysed using spatial transcriptomics, a technique that measures the expression of genes in detail in a tissue sample. The results have been compared to spatial transcriptomic data available from other research groups, to define specific differences in skin affected by keratosis pilaris (KP). We have shown that there are genes with increased expression in regions of the epidermis and hair follicle of KP skin. These genes and the proteins that they code for may represent new targets for treating KP. Further work is needed to confirm this.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
21/WA/0220
Date of REC Opinion
1 Sep 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion