Research

The faculty, staff, and residents of the U-M Dermatology Department use state-of-the-art approaches to further the understanding of normal skin biology and a wide range of skin disorders. Advances that elucidate disease mechanisms may lead to the development of novel and more effective approaches to treatment. Under the direction of John J. Voorhees, MD, FRCP, our department has grown to include diverse, world-class research programs in basic science and clinical studies, with a focus on dynamic, multidisciplinary interactions.

Cancer Biology - Andrzej Dlugosz, MD, Director

• Andrzej Dlugosz, MD: Embryonic signaling pathways in development, regeneration, and cancer
• Marina Grachtchouk, PhD: Hedgehog signaling and sebaceous gland; stem cells and skin cancer
• Monique Verhaegen, PhD: Wnt signaling and skin cancer; Merkel cell carcinoma pathogenesis
• Sunny Y. Wong, PhD: Hair follicle morphogenesis, wound healing and skin cancer

Photoaging & Aging Skin - Gary Fisher, PhD, Director

• Gary Fisher, PhD: Cutaneous photobiology and aging
• Tai Hao Quan, PhD: Molecular mechanisms of human skin natural aging and photoaging
• Yiru Xu, PhD: Mechanism of ultraviolet light-induced signaling transduction in skin photoaging and cancer

Psoriasis Genetics & Pathophysiology - J.T. Elder, MD PhD, Director

• Rajan Nair, PhD, and J.T. Elder, MD PhD: Genetics of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
• Stefan Stoll, PhD: ErbB regulation of epidermal growth and differentiation

Psoriasis Immunopathology & Immunogenetics

• Johann Gudjonsson, MD PhD: Psoriasis immunogenetics
• Andrew Johnston, PhD: Psoriasis immunogenetics

Clinical Research

• Yolanda Helfrich, MD, Lisa Maier, Dana Sachs, MD and Frank Wang, MD: Clinical pharmacology unit drug trials and clinical trials; acne and rosacea research; photoaging and aging skin research
• Timothy Johnson, MD: Melanoma and non-melanoma tissue banks
• Jeffrey Orringer, MD: Clinical and biochemical results of laser therapy and other cosmetic dermatology therapies