How Skin Cell Proteins Form and Interact
Molecular function of an intermediate filament assembly mechanism in epidermal protein complexes and cell migration
This work aims to understand how important proteins in our skin cells come together and interact, which could help us find new ways to treat skin diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11063804 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We currently don't fully understand how certain proteins, called intermediate filaments, assemble into the structures that give our skin cells strength and help them move. This knowledge gap makes it difficult to understand how these proteins work in larger groups within cells and how genetic changes might affect them. Our goal is to uncover the exact ways these proteins form and connect with other skin proteins. By learning these molecular details, we hope to develop new strategies to prevent and treat various human diseases, especially those affecting the skin.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not recruiting patients, but its future applications could benefit individuals with skin conditions or other diseases related to intermediate filament function.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to skin cell structure or intermediate filament function may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new ways to target and treat human diseases by specifically manipulating these essential protein systems.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanism being defined is a fundamental gap, preliminary data from the applicant's lab supports the central idea of this approach.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bunick, Christopher Gerard — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Bunick, Christopher Gerard
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.