# Pathologic consequences of epidermal lipase deficiencies

> **NIH NIH R21** · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · 2024 · $209,220

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The biological function of skin enriched lipases (epidermal lipases) K, M and N are not defined. Some people
with autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis harbor disease associated Lipase N mutations, suggesting a
clinically relevant role for this protein in skin health. In addition, our recent work indicates lipase M is critical for
skin development and function and that epidermal lipase transcripts are reduced in a chronic lesion of atopic
dermatitis. These observations suggest epidermal lipases M, N, and, potentially, K, are important for skin
development and that defects or deficiencies of one or more of these proteins may contribute to some types of
ichthyoses and atopic dermatitis. In light of these observations, the primary goal of this research is to use novel
experimental systems to understand the biological consequences of epidermal lipases K, M and N deficiency in
skin development and function. The proposed studies will use human skin equivalents lacking expression of
individual epidermal lipases (Aim 1) and an inducible lipase M conditional knock out mouse model (Aim 2) to
understand the pathologic consequences of epidermal lipase deficiencies. Understanding the consequences of
epidermal lipase deficiencies may provide insights into the molecular functions of these proteins and could lead
to novel therapies for inherited ichthyoses and atopic dermatitis.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10871191
- **Project number:** 1R21AR084158-01
- **Recipient organization:** INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Matthew J Turner
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $209,220
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-02-20 → 2026-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10871191

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10871191, Pathologic consequences of epidermal lipase deficiencies (1R21AR084158-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10871191. Licensed CC0.

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