SASAC: Skin ageing signatures and cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Identification of a genomic/transcriptomic signature for ageing and predisposition to skin cancer in normal sun-exposed skin (SASAC).
IRAS ID
218868
Contact name
Sally Burtles
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Mary University of London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
New techniques have become available that allow researchers to identify small genetic changes in skin. These changes could be linked to age (intrinsic) or sun exposure (extrinsic). Data suggests that skin ageing has a genetic basis and studies have identified genes that promote skin ageing due to sun exposure. It is hoped that understanding age-related genetic changes that take place in normal skin, will help researchers understand genetic changes that take place during the development of skin cancer.
This study aims to identify such genetic patterns by collecting skin samples from ten healthy volunteers (five with high levels of ageing and five with low). Participants between 55 and 65 years of age with no previous history of skin cancer will be asked to donate two skin samples (punch biopsy samples), one from an area of skin that has been exposed to the sun (forearm) and one from an area that has not (inner upper arm). Participants will also be asked to donate a blood sample. Both skin and blood samples will undergo genetic testing. Levels of skin ageing will be assessed by clinical examination using an established scoring system and photographs. To interpret the genetic analyses results, researchers will also collect basic lifestyle data known to contribute to skin ageing such as smoking status, postmenopausal status, weight and sun exposure habits.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/0452
Date of REC Opinion
27 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion