Cortisol and tunnel formation in hidradenitis suppurativa
The role of cortisol synthesis in pathogenesis of Hidradenitis suppurativa tunnels
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 ID | NIH-11181318 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Coral Gables, United States
- 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
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 below.