Cortisol and tunnel formation in hidradenitis suppurativa
Official title: The role of cortisol synthesis in pathogenesis of Hidradenitis suppurativa tunnels
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11181318 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether low local cortisol activity in skin contributes to the formation and inflammation of tunnels in people with hidradenitis suppurativa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $419,579 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR083385-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11181318 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with hidradenitis suppurativa, especially those who have chronic draining tunnels and are willing to provide tissue samples or attend clinic visits, would be ideal candidates to engage with this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without HS tunnels (for example, milder early-stage HS or other skin conditions) are less likely to benefit directly from this tunnel-focused work.
What this research studies
You would hear that researchers compared tissue from HS tunnels, nearby lesional skin, and matched healthy skin to find that cortisol production and glucocorticoid signaling are much lower inside tunnels. The team grew a new 3D organ‑like skin model using cells taken from patients' tunnels that recreates the tunnel structure seen in people. Using these patient-derived models and tissue samples, they will study how restoring local cortisol signaling affects keratinocyte inflammation and tunnel behavior. The work combines patient tissue analysis, molecular profiling, and experiments in the 3D human skin model to guide possible new treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that restore local cortisol signaling to reduce tunnel inflammation and improve quality of life for people with HS.
How similar studies have gone: While corticosteroids can lower inflammation in HS, targeting suppressed local cortisol synthesis and glucocorticoid receptor signaling within tunnels is a relatively new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tomic-Canic, Marjana — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Tomic-Canic, Marjana
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Anti-CD38 immunotherapy for severe hidradenitis suppurativa
A new treatment using anti-CD38 therapy is being tested for people with severe hidradenitis suppurativa who have not responded to prior therapies.
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Botulinum toxin blocks nerve signals to immune cells to treat hidradenitis suppurativa
This NIH grant tests a new approach to hidradenitis suppurativa by using botulinum toxin to interrupt nerve signals that may drive skin inflammation in patients.
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Precision therapies for hidradenitis suppurativa using AI
A doctor-researcher team at UC San Francisco is using advanced computer methods to find personalized drug options to treat hidradenitis suppurativa.
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Injectable Hydrogel for HS: a localized therapy to ease painful skin disease
A new baricitinib hydrogel is being developed to deliver pain relief and reduce inflammation directly in hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) lesions, potentially lowering systemic side effects.
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Whole-genome sequencing to understand hidradenitis suppurativa in diverse groups
Researchers will study the genetic factors that contribute to hidradenitis suppurativa, especially in African American, Hispanic/Latino, and White patients, to better understand why some people are more affected.
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Understanding the Genes Behind Hidradenitis Suppurativa in teens and young adults
A study to find genetic factors that contribute to hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful skin condition that often starts in adolescence and affects many Black individuals.
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.