Unveiling Molecular Drivers of Radiation Dermatitis Aggravation Through Tape Strip RNA-Sequencing

The presentation focuses on the investigation of molecular mechanisms underlying radiation dermatitis (RD) through advanced genomic technologies such as tape strip RNA sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing. The speaker, a basic scientist, collaborates with a dermatologist to explore why some patients experience more severe symptoms than others and aims to identify pathways and genes linked to RD. The research employs a tape strip methodology to analyze degraded RNA from skin samples, revealing distinct genetic signatures associated with RD. Notable pathways identified include defense responses and cell cycle regulation. Additionally, the speaker references a murine model to further clarify the role of IL-17 in RD and examines its implications for treatment, finding that IL-17 inhibition can reduce skin inflammation without adversely affecting tumor growth in cancer models. Future research aims to explore the upstream mechanisms of IL-17 activation in relation to the skin microbiome and the potential therapeutic roles in RD, with ongoing experiments to determine the effects of personalized microbiomes.