How age affects skin healing and the role of a specific protein
Official title: Roles of epidermal integrin α3β1 in age-dependent changes during cutaneous wound healing
Funded at Albany Medical College · NIH-11163509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects how our skin heals from wounds, especially focusing on a protein that helps with healing, to find ways to make it easier for older adults to recover from injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albany Medical College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albany, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,988 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR083049-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who experience delayed wound healing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those with specific comorbidities affecting wound healing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts the healing of skin wounds, particularly focusing on a protein called integrin α3β1 that plays a crucial role in the healing process. The study aims to understand the changes in this protein as people age and how these changes may lead to slower healing and increased risk of infection in older adults. By using a specialized genetic model, researchers will explore the effects of reduced integrin α3β1 on skin healing in mice, which may provide insights applicable to human skin. The ultimate goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve wound healing in the elderly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance wound healing in older adults, reducing their risk of complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting integrin proteins can improve healing processes, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
Albany Medical College
Albany, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Longmate, Whitney Morgan — Albany Medical College
- Study coordinator: Longmate, Whitney Morgan
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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.