How fetal development affects adult skin cell health
Official title: Mechanisms that couple irregular development of fetal melanoblasts to premature exhaustion of adult melanocyte stem cells
Funded at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute · NIH-11098526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the way skin cells develop in babies can affect skin health when they grow up, and it's for anyone interested in keeping their skin healthy as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 4, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $619,779 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR078559-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in understanding the genetic factors affecting their skin health, particularly those with concerns about aging or skin degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with skin conditions unrelated to stem cell function or those who are not interested in genetic influences on skin health may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the development of specific skin cells in the fetus and the health of adult skin cell populations. By studying the genetic factors that influence these cells during embryonic development, researchers aim to understand how early life conditions can impact skin health later in life. The approach includes advanced genetic techniques and single-cell analysis to track changes in skin cell populations over time. This could provide insights into how to maintain healthy skin and prevent degeneration as individuals age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preserving skin health and preventing age-related skin diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the links between embryonic development and adult stem cell function, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams, Peter D. — Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute
- Study coordinator: Adams, Peter D.
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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.