PhD defence
Validating the Genetic Alterations in Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma: Unraveling the Role of SOCS1 and HNRNPK through Genetically Engineered Mouse Models
- Y. Luo
- Date
- Tuesday 12 November 2024
- Time
- Location
-
Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden
Supervisor(s)
- Prof.dr. M. H. Vermeer
- dr. C. P. Tensen
- dr. F. R. de Gruijl
Summary
This PhD thesis presents a comprehensive study of Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL), a rare form of skin cancer. We investigated the role of two genes, SOCS1 and HNRNPK, which may be involved in developing this disease. Using genetically modified in vivo models, we studied the effects of changes in these genes in detail. Our results indicate that loss of SOCS1 alone, combined with persistent inflammation, is insufficient to induce an early-stage mycosis fungoides-like phenotype within eight weeks. However, with an extended duration of 20 weeks, SOCS1 loss in chronically inflamed skin led to autonomous skin inflammation with early MF characteristics. We also introduced a model with HNRNPK loss in CD4+ T cells, miming early CTCL features like chronic skin inflammation and T-cell infiltration.
This research provides new insights into the genetic causes of CTCL, which could lead to improved diagnostics and targeted treatments. By employing advanced mouse models, we have better understood how this cancer develops, laying the foundation for targeted therapies and preventive measures. The findings contribute to more effective treatments for patients with this challenging disease. Additionally, the study paves the way for future research using emerging technologies for gene editing to enhance model accuracy and relevance in CTCL research.
PhD dissertations
Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.
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