Translational Medicine
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-1025
ISSN: 2161-1025
Marianna Bei
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Transl Med
Our studies in the past have shown that two transcription factors the Msx1 and Msx2 that, when mutated in mice, result in defects in several epithelial appendages like the tooth, the hair cycle, the nail and mammary gland. Using conventional and systems approaches we identified novel pathways whose function is important for epithelial appendages, where several families of growth and transcription factors are involved. In addition, we study the molecular mechanism by which the Msx transcription factors exert their specific function on epithelial appendage formation and homeostasis. Based on our recent studies, the Msx�s exquisite specificity in vivo is achieved through selective, context-dependent, protein network and epigenetic regulation by sumoylation. Considering the transient nature of sumoylation and its role in modulating (i) the protein-protein interactions of Msx and (ii) their ability to bind to certain downstream promoters, we can envision that sumoylation acts as a switch to regulate transcription output. We believe that the basic understanding of the genetic pathways and molecular mechanisms controlling skin organ formation and homeostasis can be put to practical use in clinical settings, particularly in the context of ectodermal organ regeneration and skin abnormalities. In doing so, we can create a platform for bringing developmental biology to medicine.
Marianna Bei is an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School where she completed her Doctoral and Postdoctoral studies. She is also the director of the Center for Regenerative Developmental Biology at The Forsyth Institute at Harvard. Her laboratory is conducting research on the molecular function of genes that cause certain types of ectodermal dysplasia diseases, alopecias (hair loss), anodontias (tooth loss) and on skin regeneration. She has published several papers in reputed journals and serves as regular reviewer in scientific journals, as review editor, as member of scientific and technical committees and as session chair in conferences.