OUR
RESEARCH
Our
research team led by Dr. Animesh A. Sinha at the New York
Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill Medical College of Cornell University
is undertaking a non-profit research project involving the genetics
of the follicular degeneration syndrome. Our project, "Human Gene
Expression Mapping in Skin Disease," is supported in part by grants
from several non-profit organizations as well as by L'Oreal, Inc.
The study has been given Institutional Review Board approval.
Our experimental
strategy is to use the most current molecular techniques to identify
and study the genes responsible for the follicular degeneration syndrome.
We will analyze the expression of FDS-related genes using "gene chips,"
a revolutionary technology that allows us to screen for thousands
of genetic sequences simultaneously. Ultimately, we wish to find the
links in the genome that render people susceptible to the follicular
degeneration syndrome. It is our short-term goal to gain a better
understanding of why some individuals are pre-disposed to the follicular
degeneration syndrome and to identify those individuals at risk. Over
the long term, our goal is to use this information to point us towards
new and innovative therapies for the follicular degeneration syndrome.
HOW YOU
CAN HELP
We are
interested in recruiting patients who are afflicted with the follicular
degeneration syndrome. The success of our project is critically
dependent upon recruitment of eligible subjects. Your participation
is entirely voluntary, and would be greatly appreciated. Following
completion of an informed consent form, you will be asked to complete
a questionnaire concerning your medical history and your experience
with the follicular degeneration syndrome. In addition, you will be
asked to have a skin biopsy performed at the New York Presbyterian
Hospital at a time that is convenient.
HOW
TO CONTACT US
If you have any questions or are interested in participating in the
study please call me, the study coordinator, Hadley King, at
212-746-6554, or e-mail me at DermatologyResearch@med.cornell.edu.
I look forward to speaking with you in the near future.
