Lymphatic Endothelial CellS AND Melanoma

Investigation of calcitonin receptor like-receptor in human lymphatic endothelial cells in in-transit melanoma

Calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and its agonists adrenomedullin, adrenomedullin2 (also called intermedin), and calcitonin gene-related peptide are implicated in function of lymphatics and in pathogenesis of chronic diseases of the skin, including lymphoedema, atopic dermatitis and melanoma. The aims of this project are to characterise CLR expression, properties & pharmacology upon stimulation with its agonists in primary human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLEC) and to develop an in-vitro co-culture model to study the molecular mechanisms involved in in-transit melanoma (ITM). This project is supported mainly by Melanoma Fundable Charity at Castle Hill Hospital.