The entire wound healing process is a complex series of events that begins at the moment of injury and can continue for months to years. Our goal is to determine the role of the Wnt pathway, particularly its key molecule β-catenin, in the reconstitution of epithelial and dermal components of the skin during wound healing. Using different genetically engineered mice designed in our lab, we are investigating the fate of the cells that contribute to healing and the role of β-catenin in this process. As part of this work, we identified a novel drug that can be used to decrease scar size, and are working to determine how it can be developed into a topical agent to use for patients. Team Members (Left to Right): Puviindran Nadesan, Heather Whetstone, Saeid Amini Nik, Kirsten Bielefeld and Raymond Poon.
