Hormone signals and sex differences in how wounds heal
Official title: Molecular Mechanisms of Hormone-Mediated Sex Differences in Wound Healing
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11401209 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how male- and female-specific hormones affect wound healing and scarring, with the goal of improving treatments for people who heal poorly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $442,444 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM157032-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401209 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with chronic wounds or problematic scars, and individuals whose healing may be influenced by sex hormones.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals whose wounds heal normally and are not hormone-influenced may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
The project investigates the roles of testosterone and estradiol in wound healing using new animal models and human data. Researchers will map the molecular pathways by which sex hormones influence inflammation, tissue repair, and scar formation. The aim is to identify targets that could be used to tailor therapies for men and women to improve healing outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to hormone-informed treatments that speed healing and reduce problematic scarring.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests sex hormones affect wound healing, but the precise molecular mechanisms remain to be defined.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien-Coon, Devin — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: O'brien-Coon, Devin
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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.