CLaSSiC - a two partner EU funded network project

CLaSSiC is an interdisciplinary EU FP7 Marie Curie funded project leveraging insights on the molecular, cellular, and biophysical impact of light on skin stem cells towards development of novel devices for regenerative therapy. CLaSSiC is a collaborative network between the Centre for Skin Sciences and Philips under the European Industrial Doctoral training scheme.

ClaSSiC project commenced in 2013 and was completed in 2017. Three fellows were recruited who each worked on their own doctoral training project. All three fellows succeeded in being awarded a PhD.

CLaSSiC Fellows

Serena Buscone. I’m a Biologist from Italy, where I graduated in Molecular Biology at Bicocca University in Milan. In CLaSSiC I was focused on investigation of the effects of light on hair follicles and hair follicle stem cells. I discovered that surprisingly hair follicles express receptors involved in vision, and in this project I reached my research goal to show that light modulation of those receptors can impact hair phisiology. I strongly believe that understanding insights about molecular, cellular and biophysics effects of light on hair will give us the opportunity to develop new tools that could help people in the management of hair disorders.

Charles Mignon. My background is in Optical Engineering combined with Biomedical Engineering and within the CLaSSiC project I am responsible for driving my research project along three directions: devices, modeling, and photobiology. In particular, I am proud that I created a novel light-based devices for treatment of stem cells, developed optical modeling tools to describe light propagation in the skin and hair, and carried out experimental work with skin cells using a designed statistical approach. To me combining biology and physics is challenging and rewarding at the same time, because it helps to combine new approaches to address biological related.

Irene Castellano. Originally from Zaragoza (Spain), I obtained my BSc in Biotechnology from the University of Lleida, Spain. Within the CLaSSiC project, I was responsible for investigating the interaction of light with the skin to identify novel solutions for wound healing. I discovered key molecular pathways involved in light reception and how to modulate them using wound healing models. I really enjoyed participating in this European Industrial Doctorate with the opportunity to work with people with very different educational backgrounds, learn from all of them and experience working with both University and industry.

CLaSSic Team. From left to right Julie Thornton (CSS), Charles Mignon, Andrei Mardaryev (CSS), Irene Castellano, Gill Westgate (CSS), Serena Buscone, Des Tobin (CSS), Natasha Botchkareva (CSS) and Natallia Uzunbajakava (Philips)

Publications from CLaSSiC

Full text articles

C. Mignon,D. J. Tobin, M. Zeitouny, N.E. Uzunbajakava. Impact of the Skin layers optical properties inaccuracies on Monte Carlo Optical Model simulations. (In preparation)
Mignon C, Uzunbajakava NE, Botchkareva NV, Tobin DJ. Differential response of human dermal fibroblast subpopulations to visible and near-infrared light: potential of photobiomodulation for addressing cutaneous conditions. [Accepted].
Mignon C, Tobin DJ, Zeitouny M, Uzunbajakava NE. Shedding light on variability of the optical skin properties: finding a path towards more accurate prediction of light propagation in cutaneous compartments. Biomed Opt Express. 2018;9:852-872.
Mignon C, Uzunbajakava NE, Raafs B, Botchkareva NV, Tobin DJ. Towards standardized protocols for photobiomodulation studies: unraveling impact of cell culture conditions and treatment protocols on experimental outcome of in vitro studies using primary human dermal fibroblasts lineages. Scientific Reports. 2017 Jun 5;7(1):2797
Buscone S, Mardaryev AN, Raafs B, Bikker JW, Sticht C, Gretz N, Farjo N, Uzunbajakava NE, Botchkareva NV. A new path in defining light parameters for hair growth: Discovery and modulation of photoreceptors in human hair follicle. Lasers Surg Med. 2017 Sep;49(7):705-718. doi: 10.1002/lsm.22673. Epub 2017 Apr 18. PubMed PMID: 28418107.
C. Mignon, N. E. Uzunbajakava, B. Raafs, M. Moolenaar, N. V. Botchkareva, D. J. Tobin. Photobiomodulation of distinct lineages of human dermal fibroblasts: a rational approach towards the selection of effective light parameters for skin rejuvenation and wound healing. SPIE BIOS, 2016, 9695-7.
C. Mignon, N. V. Botchkareva, N.E. Uzunbajakava, D. J. Tobin. Photobiomodulation devices for hair regrowth and wound healing: a therapy full of promise but a literature full of confusion. Invited Review, Experimental Dermatology, 2016.
Uzunbajakava NE, Falcone D and Westgate G. Effect of UV, Blue, and Visible Light on the Skin and its Appendages: New Phototransduction Mechanisms, the Extended Therapeutic Window from UV to Blue, and a Rising Trend in Home-use Phototherapy. The Cosmetic Chemist (2016), http://www.thecosmeticchemist.com/education/skin_science/effect_of_the_uv_blue_and_visible.html

Conference presentations and posters

2018

S. Buscone, N.E. Uzunbajakava, A. Mardaryev, N.V. Botchkareva. 2018. Blue light stimulatory effect on hair growth mediated by opsin and cryptochrome photoreceptors. International Investigative Dermatology (IID), Orlando, USA.
I. Castellano-Pellicena, N.E. Uzunbajakava, B. Raafs, V. Botchkarev, M.J Thornton. 2018. Time for the human epidermal clock, role of opsins and cryptochromes. International Investigative Dermatology (IID), Orlando, USA.
C. Mignon, N.E. Uzunbajakava, I. Castellano-Pellicena, N.V. Botchkareva, D.J. Tobin. 2018. Short-visible wavelength light treatment hold potential for the development of therapies for skin fibrosis and keloids. The British Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting (BSID), London, UK.
I. Castellano-Pellicena, N.E. Uzunbajakava, V. Botchkarev, M.J. Thornton. 2018. The role of blue light receptor opsin 3 in restoring the human epidermal barrier during wound healing. The British Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting (BSID), London, UK.

2017

N.E. Uzunbajakava, C. Mignon, S. Buscone, I. Castellano Pellicena, C. De La Torre, C. Sticht, N. Gretz, M.J. Thornton, D.J. Tobin, N.V. Botchkareva. 2017. Towards more effective photobiomodulation / low level light therapies for anti-ageing/wound healing: from fundamental studies to therapy. Association de DErmatologie ESthétique du Sud-Est. Marseille, France.
I. Castellano-Pellicena, N.E. Uzunbajakava, C. Delatorre, V. E. Botchkarev, M. J. Thornton. 2017. Opsins and cryptochromes in human epidermal keratinocytes: a perspective for blue light therapies. 47th European Society for Dermatological Research, Salzburg, Austria.
C. Mignon, N.E. Uzunbajakava, C. de la Torre, N.V. Botchkareva, D.J. Tobin. 2017. Response of Distinct Human Dermal Fibroblast Lineages to Visible Radiation: Potential for Differential Light-Based Therapy. 47th European Society for Dermatological Research, Salzburg, Austria.
S. Buscone, N.E. Uzunbajakava, A. Mardaryev, N.V. Botchkareva. 2017. Opsins and Cryptochrome photoreceptors mediate blue light stimulatory effect on hair growth. 47th European Society for Dermatological Research, Salzburg, Austria.
C. Mignon, N.E. Uzunbajakava, B. Raafs, N.V. Botchkareva, Desmond J Tobin. 2017. Optical settings, cell culture conditions and treatment protocols all significantly impact on interpretation of photobiomodulation responses in primary human dermal fibroblasts. British Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting, Dundee, Scotland.
C. Mignon, N.E. Uzunbajakava, B. Raafs, N.V. Botchkareva, D. J Tobin. 2017. The importance of the selection of optical parameters, cell culture conditions and treatment protocols in photobiomodulation in vitro: a multi-factorial analysis of the response of primary human dermal fibroblasts to visible and NIR light. 37th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, San Diego, CA, USA.
I. Castellano-Pellicena, N. E. Uzunbajakava, V. A. Botchkarev, M.J. Thornton. 2017. Understnadingohotobiomodualtion for human wound healing. 37th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, San Diego, CA, USA.
N. E. Uzunbajakava, S. Buscone, C. Sticht, N. Gretz , and N. V. Botchkareva. 2017. Biophysical devices for hair growth: efficacy, molecular targets and strategies for developing novel and effective therapeutic solutions. International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS World), Paris, France.
N. E. Uzunbajakava, S. Buscone, B. Raafs, J-W. Bikker, C. Sticht, N. Gretz, and N. V. Botchkareva. Towards more effective light-based therapies for hair growth: modulation of photoreceptors as potential targets mediating effects of low levels of visible light in human hair follicle. 2017. Video Lecture International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS World), Paris, France.

2016

S. Buscone, J.W. Bikker, B. Raafs, N.V. Botchkareva, N. E. Uzunbajakava. 2016. A novel statistical approach to evaluate effects of low level light on anagen to catagen transition in hair follicle organ culture model. 7th International Bi-Annual Conference on Applied Hair Science, New Jersey, USA
N. Uzunbajakava, S. Buscone, C. Mignon, B. Raafs, J.W. Bikker , M. van Vlimmeren, Natalia V. Botchkareva. 2016. Understanding molecular targets in photobiomodulation: are we getting closer to efficient light-based solutions for hair growth? International Master Course on Aging Science (IMCAS Asia), Taipei, Taiwan
H. Siiskonen, S. Buscone, I. Castellano Pellicena, A. Smorodchenko, N. Uzunbajakava, N. Botchkareva, M. Maurer, J. Scheffel. 2016. Human skin mast cells express photoreceptors, 46th European Society for Dermatological Research, Munich, Germany
S. Buscone, M.A.A. van Vlimmeren, A. Mardaryev, N.E. Uzunbajakava, N.V. Botchkareva. 2016. Photoreceptors in human hair follicle: investigating presence and functionality towards superior light-based therapies for hair disorders. 46th European Society for Dermatological Research, Munich, Germany
N. Uzunbajakava, I. Castellano, C. Mignon, M. van Vlimmeren, N.V. Botchkareva, D. Tobin, J. Thornton. 2016. Response of human dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes to visible radiation: a potential role of cryptochromes and opsins as photoreceptors in light-based wound healing therapies. 46th European Society for Dermatological Research, Munich, Germany
N. Uzunbajakava. Biophysical devices for hair benefits. 2016. proDERM Hair Biology Workshop
C. Mignon, I. Castellano, N. E. Uzunbajakava, B. Raafs, N.V. Botchkareva, D.J Tobin. 2016. Photobiomodulation of human dermal fibroblast pools in in vitro and ex-vivo culture: rational approach towards effective light parameters and nuances of cell physiology. SPIE BIOS Photobiomodulation, San Diego, USA.
N. E. Uzunbajakava, I. Castellano, C. Mignon, S. Buscone, D.J Tobin, N.V. Botchkareva, M.J. Thornton. 2016. Human skin and hair can see light: unravelling expression of photoreceptors towards improved light therapies for hair and skin disorders. 36th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Boston, MA, USA.
C. Mignon, N. E. Uzunbajakava, N.V. Botchkareva, D.J Tobin, M. Zeitnouny. 2016. Impact of variability of the optical properties of skin layers on prediction of photon density using a Monte Carlo Model. 36th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Boston, MA, USA.
S. Buscone, B. Raafs, M.A.A. van Vlimmeren, A. Mardaryev, N. E. Uzunbajakava, N.V. Botchkareva. 2016. A new path in defining light parameters for hair growth: discovery and modulation of light sensitive receptors in human hair follicles. 36th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Boston, MA, USA.
H. Siiskonen, S. Buscone, I. Castellano, J. Scheffel, N. E. Uzunbajakava, N.V. Botchkareva, M. Maurer. 2016. Human skin mast cells express photoreceptors. 33rd Nordic congress in dermatology and venereology, Trondheim, Finland.
I. Castellano Pellicena, C. Mignon, S. Buscone, B. Raafs, D. Tobin, M. J. Thornton , N. Botchkareva, N. E. Uzunbajakava. 2016. Impact of visible light on multiple components of human skin brings new understanding to the therapeutic role of light for skin health. British Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting, Dundee, Scotland.
I. Castellano Pellicena, N.E. Uzunbajakava, M. Moolenaar, B. Raafs, C. Mignon, V. Botchkarev, M. J. Thornton. 2016.Molecular Mechanisms of photobiomodulation in wound healing. British Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting, Dundee, Scotland.
C. Mignon, N. E. Uzunbajakava, I. Castellano , S. Sikkinks N.V. Botchkareva, D.J Tobin. 2016. Visible light differentially influences distinct human dermal fibroblast lineages and may be exploitable for wound-healing therapy. British Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting, Dundee, Scotland.
I. Castellano Pellicena, N.E. Uzunbajakava, M. Moolenaar, B. Raafs, C. Mignon, V. Botchkarev, M. J. Thornton. 2016. New targets for photobiomodulation of wound healign in human skin. World Union of Wound Healing Societies, Florence, Italy.
N. E. Uzunbajakava, I. Castellano, C. Mignon, S. Buscone, D.J Tobin, N.V. Botchkareva, M.J. Thornton. 2016. Human skin and hair can see light: unravelling expression of photoreceptors towards improved light therapies for hair and skin disorders. 36th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Boston, MA, USA.
C. Mignon, N. E. Uzunbajakava, N.V. Botchkareva, D.J Tobin, M. Zeitnouny. 2016. Impact of variability of the optical properties of skin layers on prediction of photon density using a Monte Carlo Model. 36th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Boston, MA, USA.

2015

I. Castellano, N.E. Uzunbajakava, O. Kamala, G.Westgate, V. Botchkarev, M.J. Thornton. 2015. Dermal fibroblasts from different anatomical regions of human skin express visual and non-visual photoreceptors in culture; potential targets for modulation of the circadian clock genes? Chronobiology-Gordon Research Conference, Girona, Spain.
I. Castellano, N.E. Uzunbajakava, O. Kamala, G.Westgate, V. Botchkarev, M.J. Thornton. 2015. Expression of visual and non-visual photoacceptors in human dermal fibroblasts: implications for light-based wound healing therapies. 7th Joint Meeting of the European Tissue Repair Society & the Wound Healing Society, Copenhagen, Denmark.
S. Buscone, N.E. Uzunbajakava, G.Westgate, N.Farjo, A.N. Mardaryev, N.V. Botchkareva. 2015. Can Hair Follicles “See” the Light? Analysis of Light-Sensitive Receptors in Human Hair Follicles. Submitted to the 9th World Congress for Hair Research, Miami, USA.
S. Buscone, I. Castellano, C. Mignon, N. Uzunbajakava, J. Thornton, D.Tobin, N. Botchkareva. 2015. Expression of photo-receptors in human skin: implications for light-based therapies for hair and skin health. 16th Congress of the European Society for Photobiology, Aveiro, Portugal.
C. Mignon, N. E. Uzunbajakava, B.Raafs, M. van Vlimmeren, M. Zeitouny, N.V. Botchkareva, A. Mardaryev, J. Thornton, S. Buscone, I. Castellano, D.J. Tobin. 2015. A systematic approach to unravel how light impacts primary human dermal fibroblasts. 35th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Kissemmee, FL, USA.
C. Mignon, N. E. Uzunbajakava, M. Zeitouny, M. van Vlimmeren, A. Mardaryev, N.V. Botchkareva, J. Thornton, G.Westgate, D.J. Tobin. 2015. Light Parameters in Low-Level Light Therapy. A systematic literature review. 35th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Kissemmee, FL, USA.

E-poster

N. E. Uzunbajakava, I. Castellano, C. Mignon, S. Buscone,D.J Tobin, N.V. Botchkareva, M.J. Thornton. 2016. Human skin and hair can see light: unravelling expression of photoreceptors towards improved light therapies for hair and skin disorders. 36th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Boston, MA, USA.
C. Mignon, N. E. Uzunbajakava, N.V. Botchkareva, D.J Tobin, M. Zeitnouny. 2016. Impact of variability of the optical properties of skin layers on prediction of photon density using a Monte Carlo Model. 36th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Boston, MA, USA.
S. Buscone, B. Raafs, M.A.A. van Vlimmeren, A. Mardaryev, N. E. Uzunbajakava, N.V. Botchkareva. 2016. A new path in defining light parameters for hair growth: discovery and modulation of light sensitive receptors in human hair follicles. 36th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Boston, MA, USA.
C. Mignon, N. E. Uzunbajakava, B.Raafs, M. van Vlimmeren, M. Zeitouny, N.V. Botchkareva, A. Mardaryev, J. Thornton, S. Buscone, I. Castellano, D.J. Tobin. 2015. A systematic approach to unravel how light impacts primary human dermal fibroblasts. 35th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Kissemmee, FL, USA.
C. Mignon, N. E. Uzunbajakava, M. Zeitouny, M. van Vlimmeren, A. Mardaryev, N.V. Botchkareva, J. Thornton, G.Westgate, D.J. Tobin. 2015. Light Parameters in Low-Level Light Therapy. A systematic literature review. 35th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Kissemmee, FL, USA.

Travel Grants

S. Buscone, N.E. Uzunbajakava, A. Mardaryev, N.V. Botchkareva. 2017. Opsins and Cryptochrome photoreceptors mediate blue light stimulatory effect on hair growth. 47th European Society for Dermatological Research, Salzburg, Austria. 2017

I. Castellano-Pellicena, N.E. Uzunbajakava, C. Delatorre, V. E. Botchkarev, M. J. Thornton.. Opsins and cryptochromes in human epidermal keratinocytes: a perspective for blue light therapies. 47th European Society for Dermatological Research, Salzburg, Austria. 2017

C. Mignon, N.E. Uzunbajakava, B. Raafs, N.V. Botchkareva, D.J. Tobin. The importance of the selection of optical parameters, cell culture conditions and treatment protocols in photobiomodulation in vitro: a multi-factorial analysis of the response of primary human dermal fibroblasts to visible and NIR light. 37th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, San Diego, CA, USA. 2017

I. Castellano Pellicena, N.E. Uzunbajakava, M. Moolenaar, B. Raafs, C. Mignon, V. Botchkarev, M. J. Thornton. Molecular Mechanisms of photobiomodulation in wound healing. British Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting, Dundee, Scotland. 2016

S. Buscone, B. Raafs, M.A.A. van Vlimmeren, A. Mardaryev, N. E. Uzunbajakava, N.V. Botchkareva. A new path in defining light parameters for hair growth: discovery and modulation of light sensitive receptors in human hair follicles. 36th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Boston, MA, USA. 2016

S. Buscone, N.E. Uzunbajakava, G.Westgate, N.Farjo, A.N. Mardaryev, N.V. Botchkareva. Can Hair Follicles “See” the Light? Analysis of Light-Sensitive Receptors in Human Hair Follicles. Submitted to the 9th World Congress for Hair. 2015

Awards

Winner of the Keith Foundation Best of Photobiomodulation Session. I. Castellano-Pellicena, N.E. Uzunbajakava, V.A. Botchkarev, M.J. Thornton. Understanding photobiomodualtion for human wound healing. 37th Annual Conference of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, San Diego, CA, USA. 2017

Exciting news came in on Friday January 13th 2017 from Beth Bartelt, Education Program Manager at the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS).

On behalf of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery Inc., she informed us that the Abstract of Irene Castellano, ‘Understanding photobiomodulation for human wound healing’ has been selected by the Photobiomodulation Section Chairs for the award at the 2017 ASLMS Annual Conference: ‘Best of Photobiomodulation Session’.

Recognition of this prestigious award, including a Plaque and Honoraria of $1,000 (Sponsored by the Kerith Foundation), took place during the Plenary Session at the ASLMS 2017 Annual Conference in San Diego.

We are very proud for Irene and congratulate her and the whole CLaSSiC for this great team effort!