Lab Research
Explore Our Research
Our faculty strive to discover the molecular and cellular basis of diseases affecting the skin. This new knowledge is applied to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases. Research activities include investigating the molecular biology and immunology of the skin, dermato-epidemiology, genetic determinants of skin diseases including skin cancer, and development of gene therapy approaches. Read more about our faculty labs and their latest publications in the categories below.
Research Highlights
The scope of skin disease related research at the University of Colorado is embodied in the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center Skin Diseases Research Center (UCAMC-SDRC). This NIAMS-funded center focuses on organizing and supporting research to better understand the molecular basis of human autoimmune, inflammatory, developmental, metabolic, and genetic skin diseases. The broad goal of this SDRC is to help member investigators develop models of human skin diseases as research platforms to study molecular mechanisms of disease. This provides us with the opportunity to develop innovative molecular approaches to correct disease processes and explore new treatment approaches.
This center includes a multitude of investigators, many from within the Department of Dermatology along with partnerships from other UCAMC Departments or outside collaborators. The research interests of these investigators are broad: inflammation and immunity; epithelial biology; melanocyte biology; regenerative medicine and stem cell biology; molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; biochemistry; pharmacology; microbiology and virology; genetics and genomics; tissue repair; cutaneous carcinogenesis; and clinical research. This is a rich platform for interdisciplinary discovery in basic and translational research.
This center is built on the strong foundation of three collaborative research teams within the Anschutz Medical Campus, all headed by scientists with an established record of NIAMS-funded research: The Department of Dermatology, the Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology, and the Human Medical Genetics Program. There are also strong collaborations with other centers on the AMC, especially the NCI-funded University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Research Faculty in Leadership Roles
The Gates Institute team is a collaborative group representing a variety of disciplines, dedicated to advancing research in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine to accelerate discoveries from concepts to cures. Dermatology professor Dennis Roop, Ph.D., is the associate director of Gates Institute at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Dermatology faculty members Dr. Anya Bilousova, Dr. Igor Kogut, Dr. Xiying Fan, and Dr. Yiqun Shellman are also Gates Institute Research Members.
Read the latest Gates Dermatology news
Latest News
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.jpg?sfvrsn=a71758bb_2 "Residents and Fellows Symposium (950 x 600)")
Resident and Fellows Symposium spotlights research at AADOpens in a new window
Mar 19, 2023The “S029 Residents and Fellows Symposium” was held on Saturday, March 18, during the 2023 annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in New Orleans. A panel of faculty judges, led by Cory A. Dunnick, MD, FAAD, selected individuals who presented the most outstanding papers in laboratory and clinical research.Opens in a new window Full story -
Drs. Dellavalle and Rodriguez discuss disparities in prescription patterns for atopic dermatitisOpens in a new window
Mar 19, 2023In an interview with The American Journal of Managed Care (AJMC), Dr. Robert Dellavalle and Dr. Ramiro Rodriguez discuss new research that could shed light on equity issues in the field of dermatology. Their study, based on data drawn from DataDerm, the nation’s largest clinical data registry for dermatology, compares the rates at which different groups—for example, Black, White, and Asian patients—are prescribed certain dermatological medications. Eventually, this work could help providers recognize and address inequities in dermatological care.Opens in a new window Full story -
In Memoriam: Dr. William L. WestonOpens in a new window
Nov 21, 2022William (Bill) Weston, MD, who served as the Chair of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Colorado for 25 years, passed away on November 13, 2022, at the age of 84. Dr. Weston was an accomplished clinician and scholar who authored over 300 publications, including seminal works on neonatal lupus and erythema multiforme. He was a colleague, friend, mentor, and role model for at least two generations of dermatologists and pediatric dermatologists. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life and the many contributions he made.Opens in a new window Full story