Cutaneous Phenomics and Transcriptomics

PROJECT SUMMARY The Cutaneous Phenomics and Transcriptomics Core (CPAT) of the Penn Skin Biology and Diseases Resource-based Center (SBDRC) furthers the NIAMS mission by providing a broad array of valuable services enabling investigators to define the cutaneous phenotype, genotype and transcriptome of their cutaneous experimental models. CPAT provides unparalleled expertise in highly utilized services ranging from tissue processing and tissue immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence to mRNA in situ hybridization and access to millions of archived skin samples and expert skin histology consultations. Excitingly, CPAT now offers an innovative collection of sophisticated experimental approaches for analyzing skin samples including laser- capture microdissection of skin samples coupled with RNA or whole-exome sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing, in vivo two-photon and macrofluorescence imaging of skin, and multiple sophisticated assays to evaluate skin barrier function. Together, these synergistic services enable investigators to rigorously interrogate their experimental model and answer critical outstanding questions within skin biology and disease. CPAT has assembled a talented and experienced team to provide its members with the highest level of quality across its services. CPAT faculty and staff possess extensive expertise in providing all of these services and this experience, coupled with the outstanding environment in Penn Dermatology, will provide innovative and robust results to investigators evaluating hypotheses in cutaneous biology. Together, CPAT provides an economy of scale across its services that conserves the financial resources of users thereby furthering the research of members and will promote new collaborations between investigators in the field of cutaneous biology. In summary, CPAT services will drive new discoveries in cutaneous biology and disease and create new knowledge to identify novel disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets.