How keratin proteins influence skin cell behavior and cancer development

Keratin and filament cell-cell junction cooperation in developmental and tumorigenic fate decisions

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · NIH-10949070

This study is looking at a special protein in your skin called keratin 14 to see how it affects skin cells and their behavior, which could help us understand skin health and cancer better, especially in situations where the skin is under stress.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ANN ARBOR, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10949070 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of keratin proteins, specifically keratin 14, in skin cell behavior and their potential impact on cancer development. By studying how these proteins interact and change in response to various conditions, the research aims to understand their influence on cell communication and growth. The approach includes creating genetically modified mouse models to observe the effects of specific keratin mutations on skin health and cancer progression. This could provide insights into how skin cells maintain their structure and function, especially under stress or disease conditions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of skin conditions or those at high risk for skin cancer.

Not a fit: Patients with non-skin-related cancers or those without any skin health issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating skin cancers by targeting the mechanisms that regulate skin cell behavior.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of keratins in skin biology and cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

ANN ARBOR, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.