December 2024

SkIN Canada Skin Investigation Network of Canada

E-bulletin

Funded by

Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis

SkIN Canada News

Save the Date: Canadian Skin Research Conference

June 22-23, 2025 in Halifax 

Team Development Award Recipients

Dr. Veronique J. Moulin (2022-2023 Recipient)

Veěronique Moulin mars 2022b

Dr. Véronique J. Moulin is a professor at Université Laval’s Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery, and a researcher and director of the Regenerative Medicine Division at the CHU de Québec Research Center. Her work focuses on the normal and pathological mechanisms of skin healing. To achieve this, she uses various cell culture models reconstituted through tissue engineering to reproduce fibrotic skin diseases in vitro, such as hypertrophic scars or systemic scleroderma. Understanding these mechanisms aims to identify new treatments to prevent or cure the formation of fibrotic tissues. Simultaneously, she employs tissue engineering methods to reconstruct substitutes for patient treatment. She is leading a nationwide clinical trial in Canada to evaluate the efficacy and safety of in vitro autologous reconstructed skin for treating patients with burns covering more than 50% of their bodies. Her research is funded by CIHR, NSERC, the Stem Cell Network, TheCell Network, and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation. She has published approximately 80 scientific articles, reviews, and book chapters, and has been invited to present her findings at numerous international conferences.

Title: Setting up the conditions for the biobanking of tissues and cells from hypertrophic scars

Lay Abstract: Hypertrophic scars (Hsc) are very common sequelae of deep wounds in general but especially following burns. However, treatments of these pathological scars show a low efficacy whereas the level of research in Canada is low. To stimulate research in this field, access to the human tissues or cells is needed. Our goal is to set up the conditions to create a biobank dedicated to Hsc. We are therefore requesting funds to carry out the administrative work to set up the conditions for a biobank including Hsc samples as well as normal skin samples from the same patients. This project will be carried out in 4 main steps: 1. Determine the area and number of biopsies that can be taken to allow for maximum studies; 2. Obtain ethical and administrative approval to begin biobanking; 3: Develop a protocol and train research staff to process, store and ship samples. 4: Perform the first biopsies to evaluate the process. The ability for researchers to have access to a biobank is a factor that will encourage them to focus on this condition and find a way to treat it.

Scientific Summary: Hypertrophic scars (Hsc) are very common sequelae of deep wounds in general but especially after burns. However, treatments of these pathological scars show low efficacy while the level of research in Canada is low. To stimulate research in this field, access to human tissues or cells is necessary. Our goal is to put in place the conditions to create a biobank dedicated to Hsc. We are therefore requesting funds to do the administrative work to set up the conditions for a biobank including Hsc samples as well as normal skin samples from the same patients. This project will have 4 main steps: 1. Determine the area and number of biopsies that can be taken to allow for maximum studies; 2. Obtain ethical and administrative approval to begin biobanking; 3: Develop a protocol and train research staff to process, store and ship the samples. 4: Perform the first biopsies to evaluate the process. The ability for researchers to have access to a biobank is a factor that will encourage them to focus on this condition and find a way to treat it.

The research group is composed of a basic scientist who work with cells and tissues to understand fibrosis, 2 plastic surgeons who treat Hsc, an ethicist who will help structure the biobank et 2 patient partners that will contribute their insights as patients.

Dr. Lucie Germain (2022-2023 Recipient)

Dr. Lucie Germain is Full professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada. She is director of the LOEX Tissue Engineering Research Center of Laval University. Her research is dedicated to post-natal stem cells and the reconstruction of human tissues for experimental and clinical applications. Dr. Germain is Member of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and Fellow of the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society. She has received the Léo Pariseau Award of ACFAS for her achievement in biologic and health sciences. She published more than 185 peer-reviewed articles, 72 book chapters and review articles. The LOEX invention of a tissue engineering method, the self-assembly approach, led to the development of a bilayered skin substitute, which is very similar to native skin and allow the preservation of stem cells. Her work led to clinical trials on humans involving engineered tissues produced in vitro including autologous bilayer skin substitutes for grafting severely burned patients. The autologous tissues are reconstructed in Québec city in the CHU de Québec-Université Laval/LOEX and grafted to patients in several hospitals of 5 provinces in Canada.

Project title: Epidermolysis bullosa multidisciplinary team focusing on developing an effective cure for this severe rare skin disease.

Lay title: Together to treat epidermolysis bullosa
 
Lay summary:
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a group of rare diseases that cause the skin to blister easily. 300 to 500 patients live with this pathology in Canada. Wounds are very painful and can persist for years or become aggressive skin cancer, which is a major cause of death. Until now, the treatment for these patients is palliative, mainly with bandages to protect epithelial wounds. Since 2022, we have formed a multicenter group gathering clinicians, researchers and patient partners from three Canadian provinces (Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia) in order to find a treatment for this severe rare skin disease. This group has worked together to prepare a multicenter clinical trial for the most severe form of this disease, the recessive dystrophic EB in order that discoveries from the laboratory reach patients. This clinical trial consists of the use of gene therapy combined with tissue engineering to develop genetically corrected skin substitutes that will be grafted on the EB wounds to replace the lost skin. We estimate that patient’s recruitment will begin in 2025. In this proposal, we will extend our team to include persons interested to a therapeutic approach for the other EB forms as the dominant dystrophic EB, the Junctional EB and the kindler syndrome.

Scientific summary: With around 300-500 patients in Canada, epidermolysis bullosa is a group of heterogeneous rare inherited skin disorders in which minor mechanical stress in the skin and mucous membranes causes the formation of blisters and erosions. The severity of this disease varies among subtypes with mild blistering to severe bulla formation, erosions, scarring, mutilation and lethal outcome. Current treatment is strictly palliative which severely compromise the quality of life for patients and their families. This underlines the need for effective treatment options. The LOEX (CHU de Québec-Université Laval), one of the leading organ reconstruction labs in the world, invented the autologous self-assembled skin substitute (SASS) therapy for burn patients since 2005. The discussion about a clinical trial for the recessive dystrophic EB (RDEB) form has been initiated in the LOEX. Our approach consists of the production of a gene modified epidermolysis bullosa-self assembled skin substitute (GMEB-SASS) by combining gene therapy and tissue engineering. All the required preclinical tests were achieved and showed results that support the safety and efficacy of the proposed approach to cure the disease in the treated areas as well as the long-term skin durability and wound healing. The required documentation for regulatory approval were finalized with the required reports and submitted to Health Canada. The design and the progress of the preparation of the clinical trial was regularly discussed in our multicenter group meetings with patients, researchers and clinicians. We are aiming to start the phase I/II clinical trial in 2025 in accordance with the Good Clinical Practices (GCP). This will be a first-in-human clinical trial to test the safety and advantages of gene-modified epidermolysis bullosa-self-assembled skin substitute (GMEB-SASS) for RDEB treatment. In the present proposal, our multicenter collaborative skin research group will continue the implementation of the clinical trial for RDEB and consider expanding our ambitious therapeutic approach to other EB forms.

Can SkIN Canada help?

Request support for your study

 

SkIN Canada has launched a formal study intake process for investigators requesting support from the Network. Please visit our  RESOURCES page for more information on how we can help with funding, patient engagement, database creation, project administration, ethics application, or statistical support.

Submit Intake Form 

From the Training Committee Hub

Introducing our Newest Training Committee Member – Victoria Young

IMG_0314

Victoria Young is a second-year medical student at the University of Toronto, dedicated to advancing dermatologic care and promoting health equity. She holds a Master’s degree in Cultural Studies from Queen’s University, where her research centered on social medicine, and a Bachelor of Science and Business from the University of Waterloo. Victoria has been instrumental in leading and collaborating with organizations to improve access to skin cancer screening in underserved communities. Her current research includes exploring dermatology in skin of color and examining the intersectionality of social determinants of health. Passionate about enhancing skin health for diverse populations, Victoria advocates for initiatives that improve access to dermatologic care and foster awareness of equity in skin health.

SkIN Canada Travel and Mobility Awards – Application Deadline May 15, 2025

1. Travel Award: The deadline for the next SkIN Canada Trainee Travel Award is Wednesday May 15 (2025) before 11:59 PM ET. SkIN Canada provides partial funding for trainees to attend conferences as part of their training experience. A limited number of awards are available each year on a competitive basis. There are two competition periods per year, one in May and one in October. Applicants who have previously received funding through this program in a fiscal year are not eligible to receive funding until the following fiscal year. The value of the SkIN Canada Travel Award is a maximum of $1,000 CAD. 

 

2. Mobility Award: The deadline for the next SkIN Canada Trainee Mobility Award is Tuesday May 15 (2025) before 11:59 PM ET. The SkIN Canada Trainee Mobility Award provides funding for trainees in the field of skin research to study and conduct research for a brief period in a laboratory other than their own within Canada or abroad as part of their training experience. A limited number of awards are available each year on a competitive basis.  There will be two competition periods per year, one in May and one in October. Applicants are eligible for the award only once during a particular training period or level of study (e.g. MSc, PhD, Clinical residency, or Postdoctoral training).
        The value of the Skin Canada Trainee Mobility Award is up to $4,000 which can be used for the trainee’s research in a laboratory other than their own, within Canada or abroad for a period ranging from 2 weeks to 6 months. 

LEARN MORE

 

SkIN Canada Training Committee Opening

The Training Committee represents skin research trainees from across Canada. The Committee considers representations from across Canada to be valuable. The committee currently has an opening for a PhD student or a post-doctoral fellow from any of the Western Provinces. If interested in joining this dynamic committee, please send your expression of interest and CV  to info@skincanada.org.

Next Skin Canada TC meeting: Week of Dec 17, 2024.
Next Skin Canada TC Webinar: Week of March 17, 2025 (Topic: Scleroderma disease mechanisms and recent advances in treatments). 

News from Other Organizations
SRGC logo new

 

SRGC is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew Leask as its new President

The Skin Research Group of Canada (SRGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew Leask, PhD, as its new President, effective January 1, 2025.

The SRGC Committee would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding scientific leadership of former presidents, Drs. Anie Philip, Ivan V. Litvinov, and Lucie Germain, whose contributions have greatly advanced the organization.

Since June 2022, Dr. Leask has served as the Vice-President of SRGC, showcasing exceptional professionalism and a strategic vision for the group’s future. His extensive expertise in fibrosis and tumor microenvironments, combined with his proven leadership, positions him to guide SRGC toward continued success.

About Dr. Andrew Leask:

  • A renowned expert in fibrosis and tumor microenvironments.
  • His research team has made groundbreaking progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of fibrosis, with a focus on scleroderma as a model system.
  • He serves as the Senior Editor of the Journal of Wound Repair and Regeneration.

The SRGC Committee congratulates Dr. Andrew Leask on this well-deserved appointment and looks forward to the impactful contributions he will bring as President.

New patient and caregiver survey

Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) wants to understand your experience with atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema. How does eczema affect you? Do you have treatment challenges? How does your eczema impact daily life?
We invite patients 18 and older and caregivers of children younger than 18 to share their experiences to help us understand the impact of eczema, treatment, and medication access. Please take our survey to help us learn more.

Adult Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FRS5QS5
Caregiver Survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FRSNS89

The survey is anonymous, voluntary, and will take approximately fifteen minutes to complete. Please complete a separate survey for everyone in your household who lives with eczema.
Data from this survey will be used by ESC for reporting, planning, awareness, and advocacy purposes. The survey will be available until February 17, 2025.

Thank you for participating!

Eczema Society of Canada is dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians living with eczema through support, education, awareness, advocacy, and research.

Visit our website https://eczemahelp.ca/ for resources, support, and to find products that have earned our Seal of Acceptance.

Recent Publications on Skin Research
Inflammatory Skin Conditions
 

1.  Hundal S, Cappelli J, Croitoru D, et al. Cost-Utility Analysis of Clinic-Based Deroofing versus Local Excision for Hidradenitis Suppurativa. J Am Acad Dermatol. Dec 8 2024;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39657847

2.  Vallee S, Deneux V, Funaro D, et al. Long-term evolution of prepubertal-onset anogenital lichen sclerosus: A 35-year retrospective and cross-sectional study from a single tertiary care maternal and pediatric center. J Am Acad Dermatol. Dec 3 2024;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39637982

3.  Eichenfield LF, Hebert AA, Harper JC, et al. Triple-Combination Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%/Adapalene 0.15%/Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne in Children and Adolescents. J Drugs Dermatol. Dec 1 2024;23(12):1049-1057. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39630680

4.  Armstrong AW, Bissonnette R, Chovatiya R, et al. Treat-to-Target Outcomes With Tapinarof Cream 1% in Phase 3 Trials for Plaque Psoriasis. Cutis. Oct 2024;114(4):122-127. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39621574

5.  Choi UE, Deng J, Parthasarathy V, et al. Risk factors and temporal associations of progression of the atopic march in children with early-onset atopic dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol. Nov 28 2024;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39615548

READ MORE

 

Wound Healing, Fibrosis and Regeneration

1.  Bian X, Piipponen M, Liu Z, et al. Epigenetic memory of radiotherapy in dermal fibroblasts impairs wound repair capacity in cancer survivors. Nature communications. Oct 28 2024;15(1):9286. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39468077

2.  Huang RS, McMullen EP, Metko D, Piguet V. Dupilumab Therapy for Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars: A Systematic Review. J Cutan Med Surg. Oct 25 2024:12034754241291041. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39450765

3.  Arif S, Larochelle S, Trudel B, et al. The diffusion of normal skin wound myofibroblast-derived microvesicles differs according to matrix composition. J Extracell Biol. Jan 2024;3(1):e131. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38938680

4.  Arif S, Richer M, Larochelle S, Moulin VJ. Microvesicles derived from dermal myofibroblasts modify the integrity of the blood and lymphatic barriers using distinct endocytosis pathways. J Extracell Biol. May 2024;3(5):e151. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38939570

5.  Rijal H, Bouadi N, Piguet V, Mukovozov I. Treatment Outcomes of Scleroderma With Janus Kinase Inhibitors: A Systematic Review. J Cutan Med Surg. Jun 10 2024:12034754241260021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38859662

READ MORE


Skin Cancer

1. Guerra Ordaz DJ, Whitelaw S, Kaouache M, et al. Evaluating the Implementation and Impact of BRAF Reflex Mutation Testing in Melanoma, Lung, and Colorectal Cancers. J Cutan Med Surg. Dec 4 2024:12034754241302821. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39629857

2. Koulmi K, Cattelan L, Litvinov IV. Evaluating Difluoromethylornithine Safety and Efficacy for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Chemoprevention: A Systematic Review. J Cutan Med Surg. Nov 30 2024:12034754241302818. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39614759

3. Huang Y, Fleming P, Fung K, Chan AW. Response to Tang et al., “Insufficient evidence for association between dermatology follow-up and melanoma survival”. J Am Acad Dermatol. Nov 21 2024;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39579995

4. Ma B, James MT, Chan AW, Mydlarski PR. National Trends in Healthcare Expenditures for the Management of Skin Cancer in the United States. J Cutan Med Surg. Nov 16 2024:12034754241293131. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39548853

5. Karponis D, Joshy J, Stratigos IA, et al. Cutaneous melanoma in situ: a review. Clin Exp Dermatol. Oct 25 2024;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39449583

READ MORE

 

Skin of Colour

1.  Cedirian S, Starace M, Natale A, et al. Celebrating Diversity: Unveiling the Characteristics of Nail Psoriasis and Nail Lichen Planus in 30 Patients With Skin of Color. Dermatol Pract Concept. Oct 30 2024;14(4)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39652925

2.  Greene A, Ghalambor T, Penner S, Irwin C, Hastings KT. Evaluation of dermatologic diagnostic ability on skin of colour in preclinical medical students. Skin Health Dis. Dec 2024;4(6):e425. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39624754

3.  Elhassan H. Considerations for Physicians Treating Skin of Color: A Narrative Review. Cureus. Nov 2024;16(11):e74443. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39606129

4.  Lee M, Brown LS, Sontheimer R, Chong BF. Distinctive clinical features are found in dermatomyositis patients with skin of color. Arch Dermatol Res. Nov 26 2024;317(1):48. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39589527

5.  Rosa-Nieves PM, Schissel M, Wysong A, Hayes K, Wei EX. Impact of skin of color specialty dermatologic clinics on diagnoses and management. Arch Dermatol Res. Nov 9 2024;317(1):1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39520582

 
 
Other

1.  Hedtrich S, Calderon M. Next generation concepts in dermal delivery, theranostics, and preclinical testing. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. Nov 29 2024:115482. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39617255

2.  Coughlan K, Purvis T, Kilkenny MF, et al. From ‘strong recommendation’ to practice: A pre-test post-test study examining adherence to stroke guidelines for fever, hyperglycaemia, and swallowing (FeSS) management post-stroke. Int J Nurs Stud Adv. Dec 2024;7:100248. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39507681

3.  Gupta AK, Talukder M, Piguet V. Mpox: A Rising Threat-2 Public Health Emergencies in 2 Years. The Journal of investigative dermatology. Oct 21 2024;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39436346

4.  Dinesh NEH, Rousseau J, Mosher DF, et al. Mutations in fibronectin dysregulate chondrogenesis in skeletal dysplasia. Cellular and molecular life sciences : CMLS. Oct 5 2024;81(1):419. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39367925

5.  Savard E, Magne B, Simard-Bisson C, et al. Design of an innovative method for measuring the contractile behaviour of engineered tissues. Tissue engineering Part C, Methods. Sep 23 2024;https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/39311467

READ MORE

 

SkIN Canada Executive Committee