How ancestry affects wound healing and scar formation

Biomaterial Models of Ancestral Contributions to Wound Healing

NIH-funded research Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10864039

This study is looking at how a person's family background affects how their wounds heal, especially for people of African descent who are more likely to develop keloids, with the hope of finding better treatments for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10864039 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how a person's ancestral background influences their wound healing process, particularly focusing on individuals of African ancestry who are more prone to keloid formation. By using biomaterial models, the study aims to understand the differences in cellular responses and communication during wound healing. The research will examine the role of immune cells and stem cells in this process, considering factors such as genetic ancestry and sociocultural experiences. Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the biological mechanisms behind these differences to improve treatment strategies for those affected.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals of African ancestry who have experienced issues with wound healing or keloid formation.

Not a fit: Patients of non-African ancestry may not benefit directly from the findings of this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for wound healing and scar management in individuals of African descent.

How similar studies have performed: While the influence of ancestry on wound healing is recognized, this specific approach using biomaterial models to explore these differences is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

College Park, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.