# Skin Immunity, Integrity and Disease Models (SIND)

> **NIH NIH P30** · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · 2020 · $197,358

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
The role of the Skin Immunity, Integrity, and Disease (SIND) Core is to facilitate skin-focused research by
providing a range of in vivo and ex vivo models that aim to mimic human skin conditions resulting from immune
and inflammatory diseases and cutaneous photodamage. The SIND will provide guidance and training in the
manipulation of these models, and will incorporate state-of-the-art techniques at molecular, cellular, tissue, and
intact animal levels. The SIND will comprise four clusters, each with a specific focus. Cluster A: Immune and
Inflammation models component will provide a wide array of highly specialized tools for studying T cell biology
in both healthy and pathologic skin. The SIND will assist core investigators with the isolation of high quality skin-
resident T cells using a 3-D matrix, with flow cytometric immunophenotyping of T cell populations, and with
cytokine profiling using a panel of the SIND’s validated antibodies. The SIND is equipped with special technical
expertise and knowledge to provide in vitro screening for T cell antigen reactivity (e.g., lipid antigens) and T cell
receptor (TCR) sequencing. Cluster B: UV radiation models component will provide guidance for in vivo
assessment of photodamage. The SIND will provide both standard and unique murine models of UV, and will
assist with an array of molecular, biochemical, and cellular assays with endpoints that reflect tissue integrity and
the biological function of the skin. The SIND will assist with the quantitation of pre-mutagenic DNA lesions,
exome-sequencing—with analysis targeted to molecular signatures of UV damage—and assessment of cellular
processes relevant to epidermal homeostasis. Cluster C: Alopecia Areata (AA) models component is equipped
with state-of-the-art methods for AA modeling in ex vivo and in vivo platforms, and will provide assistance with a
battery of experimental techniques and approaches relevant to the study of AA pathogenesis. Cluster D: High-
throughput screening component will provide assistance with genetic (via cas9 mediated gene disruption) and
chemical (via reporter cell lines) screening techniques to facilitate the development of screening assays
applicable to skin cells. The SIND will provide a 3-D human skin culture system, and will provide assistance with
96-well high-throughput imaging analysis. Finally, the SIND will provide proof-reading and suggestions for
Materials & Methods sections for publications and applications for extramural research funding utilizing SIND
services, and assist with the preparation of IACUC protocols. Combined with expertise of the SIND investigators,
the scientific services provided by the SIND core have the potential to make a unique contribution to advancing
research in skin biology and disease.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9984281
- **Project number:** 5P30AR069632-05
- **Recipient organization:** COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- **Principal Investigator:** Angela M Christiano
- **Activity code:** P30 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $197,358
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-08-01 → 2022-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9984281

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9984281, Skin Immunity, Integrity and Disease Models (SIND) (5P30AR069632-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9984281. Licensed CC0.

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