How mechanical tension affects scar formation in humans
Official title: Differential changes in energy metabolism in response to mechanical tension give rise to human scaring heterogeneity
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11056837 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the amount of pressure on healing skin affects how scars form, so we can better understand why some people get worse scars than others and find ways to help improve healing and reduce scarring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $320,800 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM141366-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056837 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced skin injuries and exhibit varying degrees of scarring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no history of skin injuries or those who do not develop scars may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different levels of mechanical tension during skin healing can lead to varying degrees of scar formation in humans. By examining the energy metabolism of fibroblasts, the cells responsible for wound healing, the study aims to understand why some individuals develop more severe scars than others. The researchers will analyze how biomechanical forces influence cellular responses and energy demands, potentially leading to new strategies for improving wound healing and reducing scarring. The approach includes studying the metabolic shifts in fibroblasts from individuals with different scarring phenotypes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for wound healing that minimize scarring.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of mechanical forces in wound healing, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balaji, Swathi — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Balaji, Swathi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Multimodal AI to improve genetic diagnosis of congenital heart disease
A new AI tool uses multiple types of patient data to help doctors find genetic causes of congenital heart disease more accurately.
-
Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Children
This project watches how often common vaccines prevent illnesses in kids who are in the hospital or at the emergency department, and compares them with healthy children getting well-child care.
-
Triple gene therapy approach to heal the heart after a heart attack
A new therapy combines three genetic approaches delivered by a virus to help the heart heal after a heart attack.
-
Thalamic sleep circuit changes in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how sleep-related brain activity in a key sleep regulator called the TRN affects Alzheimer’s progression and whether boosting TRN function could slow symptoms.
-
Cardiomyocyte-fibroblast signaling in atrial fibrillation
A researcher at Baylor College of Medicine is studying how signals between heart muscle cells and supportive heart cells influence atrial fibrillation, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent or treat this common heart rhythm problem.
-
UMPIRE: Keeping Kidneys Healthy for Babies with Spina Bifida
A care protocol for newborns with spina bifida aims to protect kidney function by thoughtful bladder management and monitoring from birth.
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.