The effect of Granzyme B on photoaging

Aging is a complex, time-dependent process caused by decreased ability of the body to respond to environmental stress. In the case of skin aging, most of the associated changes are the result of sun exposure or ‘photoaging’. As the average age of the western population increases, there has been a substantial increase in interest in studying age related diseases and the causes of photoaging along with combating its effects in order to improve overall skin health and appearance. Breakdown of skin components have been linked to certain enzymes like granzyme B that can be overproduced by sunlight. It is proposed that inhibition of this enzyme may attenuate the effects of photoaging. The aim of this proposal is to investigate the relationship between granzyme B and photoaging. If successful, this research could be exploited by viDA in the development of therapeutic inhibitors to topically treat the effects of photoaging.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. David Granville

Student:

Leigh Parkinson

Partner:

vIDA Therapeutics Inc.

Discipline:

Medicine

Sector:

Pharmaceuticals

University:

University of British Columbia