088 Epidermal growth factor receptor and its role in skin ageing

Abstract

The binding of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) to epidermal growth factor receptor leads to the activation of the underlying metabolic pathways that are crucial for cell division. Impairment of this pathway can slow cellular growth and lead to senescence and ageing. It has been noted that cancer patients treated with EGFR inhibitors exhibit clinical signs of skin ageing. Therefore, the aim of this study is to examine the expression of EGFR in healthy skin ageing. Skin biopsies were obtained from healthy young (18-30 years; n=10) and old (over 65 years; n=10) volunteers at both photoprotected buttock and photoexposed forearm.