Cortisol Synthesis and HS Tunnel Disease in 3D Skin Models
Official title: The role of cortisol synthesis in pathogenesis of Hidradenitis suppurativa tunnels
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11382177 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how cortisol production and signaling affect the painful tunnels in hidradenitis suppurativa using 3D skin models and patient tissue.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $435,638 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR083385-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382177 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with hidradenitis suppurativa, especially those with tunnel and fistula lesions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HS or without tunnel involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project studies why HS tunnels form and stay inflamed by looking at cortisol and steroid-making pathways in the tunnels, using a patient-derived 3D skin model that imitates the tunnel structure. The researchers compare HS tunnel tissue with healthy skin to see what goes wrong in cortisol signaling and how that drives inflammation. They have already created a 3D organotypic model from HS tunnel cells to test how glucocorticoids influence keratinocytes and surrounding cells. The work brings together HS experts, 3D skin modeling, and hormone signaling to pinpoint potential new treatment angles. If successful, the study could reveal targets to restore cortisol signaling and reduce tunnel inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding cortisol pathways could lead to new treatments that reduce tunnel inflammation and improve quality of life for HS patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data from HS tissues and 3D tunnels show distinctive cortisol pathway suppression, supporting a potential new therapeutic 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.