How nerve and skin cell communication affects wound healing in diabetes

Neuron-Keratinocyte Communication in the Epidermis in Normal and Diabetic Wound Healing

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10680411

This study is looking at how nerve cells talk to skin cells to see how it affects healing wounds, especially for people with diabetes, and aims to find new ways to help these wounds heal better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10680411 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the communication between nerve cells and skin cells (keratinocytes) to understand how it impacts wound healing, particularly in patients with diabetes. The study uses advanced techniques in mouse models to explore how specific types of nerve cells influence the healing process. By manipulating these nerve cells, researchers aim to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance healing in diabetic patients. The ultimate goal is to improve wound healing outcomes for individuals suffering from insulin-resistant diabetes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with insulin-resistant diabetes who experience slow or poor wound healing.

Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those with other types of wounds unrelated to diabetic conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve wound healing for patients with diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding nerve involvement in wound healing, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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.
Conditions Diabetes MellitusdiabetesNon-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
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.