Genetically Altered Cells May Help Artificial Skin Fight Infection

Science Daily — Cincinnati burn researchers have created genetically modified skin cells that, when added to cultured skin substitutes, may help fight off potentially lethal infections in patients with severe burns.

Dorothy Supp, PhD, has developed a modified skin cell that may help protect cultured skin substitutes from infection. Here, cells that were genetically modified to produce higher levels of a protein known as human beta defensin 4 are shown in green. (Credit: University of Cincinnati and Shriners Hospitals for Children)

Dorothy Supp, PhD, and her team found that skin cells that were genetically altered to produce higher levels of a protein known as human beta defensin 4 (HBD4) killed more bacteria than normal skin cells.

HBD4 is one in a class of proteins that exist throughout the body as part of its natural defense system. Researchers have only recently begun targeting these tiny molecules as a way to combat infections.

“If we can add these genetically modified cells to bioengineered skin substitutes, it would provide an important defense system boost during the initial grafting period, when the skin is most susceptible to infection,” explains Supp, an adjunct research associate professor at the University of Cincinnati (UC) and researcher at Cincinnati Shriners Hospital for Children.

Quarter say cancer ‘down to fate’

Over a quarter of people believe that fate will determine whether they get cancer, a survey says.

More women than men thought destiny would determine their chances – and smokers were 50% more likely than non-smokers to believe in it.

The poll of 4,000 people was carried out by the charity Cancer Research UK.

Those responding were asked if they thought they could cut their risk of developing cancer – or whether it was out of their hands.

In total, 27% of the people questioned said fate ruled whether they would be affected by the disease.

Among those from the most deprived areas, the figure rose to 43% and among those from the most privileged areas, it fell to 14%.

Smoking and obesity are linked to an increased cancer risk.

But the survey also found 34% of smokers and 36% of over 65s believed that getting cancer was down to fate.

Dr Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at the charity, said: “It is alarming that such a large percentage of the British population do not realise that half of all cases of cancer can be prevented by lifestyle changes.