How skin stem cells adapt to inflammation during healing

Genetic mapping of the inflammatory adaption circuit in epithelial stem cells

NIH-funded research University of Chicago · NIH-11140501

This research explores how the body's skin stem cells manage inflammation to heal wounds effectively.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11140501 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our skin and other barrier tissues rely on special stem cells to repair themselves after injury. When you get a wound, immune cells rush in to fight infection, but they also create a harsh, inflammatory environment. This project aims to discover the genetic instructions that allow these important stem cells to survive and thrive in inflammation, ensuring proper healing. Understanding this process could help us find new ways to treat wounds that struggle to close.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients who experience chronic or non-healing wounds may eventually benefit from the discoveries made in this fundamental research.

Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to epithelial stem cell function or wound healing may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for chronic, non-healing wounds by helping stem cells better adapt to inflammation.

How similar studies have performed: While previous assumptions suggested stem cells needed protection from inflammation, this project builds on recent findings that show stem cells actively adapt to inflammatory environments.

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.
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.