How sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen change wound healing and scarring
Molecular Mechanisms of Hormone-Mediated Sex Differences in Wound Healing
This project looks at how testosterone and estrogen change the way wounds heal and form scars so future care can be better matched to men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11393563 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team uses new lab and animal models plus human tissue and clinical observations to trace how sex hormones alter immune responses and tissue repair. They have shown testosterone can slow healing and that people taking testosterone may heal worse, and they will map the molecular pathways behind those effects. The work also explores how estradiol (a form of estrogen) might speed repair and reduce scarring. The goal is to find hormone-driven targets that could lead to better treatments or tailored wound care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic or slow-healing wounds, those with hypertrophic scars, or patients taking testosterone or estrogen therapy would be most relevant to this project.
Not a fit: Patients with simple acute wounds that heal normally or wounds caused by unrelated mechanical issues may not see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to hormone-informed treatments or care strategies that speed healing and reduce problematic scarring.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies and clinical observations support that testosterone impairs healing and estrogen may help, but the detailed molecular pathways remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'brien-Coon, Devin — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: O'brien-Coon, Devin
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 below.