James Nordlund

Research and Practice Interests

The epidermis is composed mainly of 3 cell types, keratinocytes, Langerhans cells and melanocytes. The epidermis is essential for life and has many functions important to the health of the individual. For example, it is responsible for synthesis of Vitamin D which is in reality a hormone that both affects the absorption of calcium through the intestine but also modulates numerous functions of immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages. The epidermis also has three known barrier functions:a mechanical barrier provided by keratin in the stratum corneum;an immunologic barrier mediated by the Langerhans cells;a biochemical protection which is the function of the melanocyte. The same biological modifiers which regulate the immune-inflammatory response and Langerhans cells also modulate the melanocyte function. Our current work is the study of the agonist/antagonist relationships of the neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and several of the interleukins (IL) including IL-1-alpha, IL-1-beta and IL-6. In addition, we are studying the effects of prostaglandins and leukotrienes on both epidermal immunity and pigmentation. We have identified and isolated beta lipotropin from epidermal cells and have identified the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for proopiomelanocortin, the peptide precursor for ACTH, alpha-MSH, beta-lipotropin, and beta-endorphin. We are currently trying to isolate the other transcriptional peptides from the epidermis and study the biological effects in that tissue.

Keywords

Dermatology,Pigment Cell Biology,Oncology,Immunology,Immunology,Vertebrate Pigmentation,Vertebrate Skin,Melanoma,Skin Cancer,Congenital Birth Defect,Burn,Bite,Scar Formation,Leukoderma,Albinism,Depigmentation,Pemphigus,Psoriasis,Wart,Condyloma Occuminatum,Metaethics,Philosophy of Natural Science