A paragraph describing the group
LUMC, research Department of Dermatology
Within the Department of Dermatology fundamental, translational and clinical research concentrates around 3 groups of patients with skin tumours. These patient groups are:
(familial) melanoma
cutaneous lymphoma
skin carcinoma, in particular renal transplant recipients
(Familial) melanoma
Project leaders: N.A. Gruis, W. Bergman, F.R. de Gruijl, S. Pavel, N.A. Kukutsch
The melanoma research line exists over more than 20 years and benefits from collaboration between the departments of Dermatology, Centre for Human and Clinical genetics and the Netherlands Foundation for the detection of hereditary tumours, making furthermore use of a unique familial melanoma (Familial Atypical Multiple Mole Melanoma syndrome, FAMMM) patient population. The LUMC is the only centre in the Netherlands with a special out-patient clinic (pigmented lesion clinic) for these patients. In 1994, we cloned the first melanoma susceptibility gene and identified a founder mutation (deletion in the CDKN2A gene; p16-Leiden mutation) in many of our Dutch melanoma families, enabling carrier determination. Currently, in collaboration with the Department of Clinical Genetics, presymptomatic DNA diagnostics is offered to melanoma families.
The current projects within this research line focus on the identification of genes, modifying genes and progression markers of sporadic and familial melanoma. Besides, research focuses on the role of oxidative stress in the gestation of atypical melanocytes and melanoma. In animal models we determine the relationship between UV and melanoma. The projects are internationally embedded in GenoMEL of which Dr Gruis is the vice-coordinator.
Cutaneous lymphoma
Project leaders: C.P. Tensen, M.H. Vermeer, R. Willemze
The Department of Dermatology is the national referral centre for patients with cutaneous lymphoma and is responsible for the national registration of these patients. Research after molecular pathogenic processes of the several sub-types of cutaneous lymphoma is the main focus of the research line. Research performed in close collaboration with the Departments of Pathology, Molecular Cell Biology (array-CGH; FISH), Human and Clinical Genetics (expression arrays) and Parasitology (proteomics) enabled new international classification of cutaneous lymphoma (WHO-EORTC classification, 2005).
Skin carcinoma
Project leaders: F. R. de Gruijl, J.N. Bouwes Bavinck
This research focuses on skin carcinoma (squamous cell- and basal cell carcinoma), both in immune compromised (transplantation patients) and non-immune-compromised patients and investigates the role of genetic and environmental factors (Human Papillomavirus; UV radiation) in the gestation of skin cancer. Besides basic research, clinical epidemiological studies are performed. The studies on the role of HPV are performed in collaboration with the department of Medical Microbiology. In the studies on UV and skin cancer, several animal models and in vitro- skin models are being used. |
