How our genes control skin color and pigmentation
Official title: Epigenetic and transcriptional mechanisms driving human pigmentation diversity
Funded at University of Oklahoma · NIH-11387799 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how epigenetic and transcriptional controls shape human skin color and related pigmentation differences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norman, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $373,297 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM151086-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387799 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with diverse skin tones who are willing to participate in laboratory studies using human melanocytes or related cells.
✕Less likely to help
People without a condition related to pigmentation or those not involved in genetic or cellular studies may not receive direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to map the genetic and epigenetic factors that regulate melanin production in human skin cells, using genome-wide CRISPR screening to identify key genes. By focusing on how these genes influence melanogenesis, the study seeks to explain natural skin color variation and differences in disease risk related to pigmentation. Results could lead to better understanding of conditions linked to pigmentation and potentially new approaches to treatment or prevention. The work is grounded in human biology and uses human cells to uncover mechanisms that affect pigmentation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve our understanding of why people have different skin colors and how pigmentation-related diseases develop, potentially guiding future therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have identified pigmentation-related genes and demonstrated that CRISPR screens can reveal novel contributors to melanogenesis, making this approach promising but still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma
Norman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bajpai, Vivek Kumar — University of Oklahoma
- Study coordinator: Bajpai, Vivek Kumar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Personalized 3D molds to shape breast reconstruction
A doctor-relevant project is testing patient-specific 3D printed molds to guide breast reconstruction after mastectomy, aiming to improve body image and quality of life for feminine-presenting individuals.
-
Faster 3D/4D imaging to speed up testing of cancer drugs on tumor organoids
This project builds a new, ultrafast label-free 4D imaging system with AI to watch how patient-like tumor organoids respond to cancer drugs, helping researchers find more promising treatments.
-
Nanomedicine delivery framework for skeletal muscle therapies
A new framework aims to safely and efficiently deliver tiny nanoparticles carrying drugs or genetic payloads to skeletal muscle cells.
-
Atlas of bacterial drug entry and exit to help design better antibiotics
Researchers are building smart computer models and chemical tests to understand how to get drugs into Gram-negative bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii so new antibiotics can work.
-
Understanding protein forms in disease with advanced mass spectrometry
A researchers team will use a cutting-edge mass spectrometry approach to map and measure the full shape and connections of disease-related proteins in human biology.
-
How mouth cooling and flavor taste influence eating behavior
This project studies how temperature sensations in the mouth affect why people choose certain foods and flavors.
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.