Different cell types that renew adult skin between hair follicles
Defining the heterogeneity of cell lineages in the inter-follicular epidermis
This project looks at how different skin cells in adults keep the outer layer of skin healthy and respond to sun exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cornell University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ithaca, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289333 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient viewpoint, researchers are mapping the variety of cells that make up the outer adult skin layer between hair follicles by using genetic labeling in mice and comparing those patterns to human skin. They trace how specific cell groups grow, change, and move over time, including a newly described cell that briefly amplifies before maturing. The team examines how these cell domains adapt to different levels of UV exposure and uses mouse genetics and tissue analysis to follow cell lineages. The work is focused on lab and tissue studies rather than testing treatments on people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults (21+) willing to provide small skin samples or allow comparison of their skin patterns, especially from sun-exposed and protected areas.
Not a fit: Young people under 21 or people seeking immediate clinical treatment for active skin disease are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic biology research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how skin renews and adapts to sun exposure and eventually point to better ways to prevent or treat sun damage, aging, and some skin disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown diverse skin stem cells and lineage tracing in mice, but the discovery of a timed transit-amplifying cell and detailed human/mouse domain parallels is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Ithaca, United States
- Cornell University — Ithaca, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tumbar, Tudorita — Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Tumbar, Tudorita
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.