Biomaterial Models of Ancestral Contributions to Wound Healing
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-11376545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how ancestry may influence skin wound healing using lab models to uncover clues for more personalized therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $386,291 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM147048-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11376545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with wound healing challenges or those interested in how genetic ancestry may influence tissue repair could benefit from future translational applications.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefits are not guaranteed; this is a laboratory study using cells and models, not immediate patient treatment.
What this research studies
This project uses a PEG hydrogel system to mimic tissue environments and study how genetic and self-reported ancestry affect dermal fibroblast and monocyte/macrophage behavior during wound healing. By examining cell communication, signaling, and responses to oxidative stress, the study aims to reveal mechanisms that could explain differences in tissue repair among individuals. Findings could inform future personalized approaches to improve healing after injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to personalized therapies that improve wound healing for people with diverse ancestry backgrounds.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in cell-based models of wound healing has shown that cellular environment and signaling influence repair outcomes, supporting potential relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moore, Erika Michelle — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Moore, Erika Michelle
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.