My name is Sylwia Hasterok, and I am a PhD Candidate in the Department of Biomedical Science, Malmö University, Sweden. My PhD project focuses on reconstructing 3D in vitro models of healthy and diseased skin as more physiologically relevant tools to study skin cancer. I assess these models
in the context of the kynurenine pathway, examining how IFN-γ or UVB exposure affects IDO-1 and IL-6 upregulation and their role in malignant melanoma development. I also non-invasively monitor tryptophan and kynurenine levels on the models’ surface to evaluate their potential as biomarkers for early melanoma detection.
Currently, I am focusing on generating, identifying, and characterizing distinct subsets of Langerhans cells (LCs) derived from the in vitro differentiation of human peripheral monocytes, as a first step in developing immune-competent 3D skin models. In this work, I am collaborating with the company Lumito to adapt their ultra-sensitive tissue imaging technology for reliably detecting low numbers of LCs - initially in 2D cell cultures - before moving on to more advanced 3D systems.
I have been involved in the NETSKINMODELS COST Action since September 2021. So far, my participation in the network included presenting my research at a 4th NETSKINMODELS meeting, where I had the chance to connect and engage with fellow researchers from across Europe. Later, I was nominated as a Management Committee Member representing Sweden, which allowed me to play a more active role in the network by participating in management committee meetings and voting on key COST Action deliverables. Most recently, I attended a NETSKINMODELS Training School where I learned from leading experts in 3D skin model development - an experience that not only strengthened my practical skills and knowledge but also sparked new ideas to advance my PhD research.
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