In living colour: melanocytes in skin homeostasis and inflammatory disease

Melanocytes evolved to produce melanin — a UV-absorbing polymer that generates the diverse colour spectrum of our hair, eyes, and skin. Melanocyte biology has shaped human evolution and early human migrations by safeguarding skin health and supporting vitamin production. Indeed, skin colour remains highly relevant to the individual human experience, shaping societies worldwide. Skin often becomes discoloured in inflammatory skin conditions, including increased pigmentation (hyperpigmentation) and loss of pigment (hypopigmentation and vitiligo). In this collaborative PhD project between the Patton and Brown laboratories, we will generate human skin equivalents to study how melanocytes pigment the skin and respond to genetic skin conditions, including eczema. We will use human skin equivalents (organoids), advanced imaging, genetic engineering and cellular genomics (single-cell and spatial technologies) to capture to dynamic nature of melanocyte biology in the context of skin genetic diseases. Through these models, we will identify new therapeutic targets and strategies to prevent skin discolouration and protect skin overall health.