How skin touch sensors develop
Dynamics of skin sensory specialization during vertebrate organogenesis
This research explores how specialized cells in the skin and nerve cells work together to create our sense of touch.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123166 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our sense of touch relies on a complex partnership between nerve cells and unique cells in the skin. This project aims to understand how these specialized skin cells, similar to human Merkel cells, develop and interact with the nervous system. Using zebrafish as a model, researchers will observe these cells in real-time to learn how they form and mature. The goal is to uncover the dynamic process of how our skin becomes specialized for touch sensation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future studies building on this work might seek individuals with conditions affecting skin sensation or nerve development.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or diagnostic solutions will not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding the fundamental development of touch sensation could eventually lead to new insights for conditions affecting skin sensitivity or nerve function.
How similar studies have performed: While the anatomy of skin is known, the dynamic process of sensory specialization, particularly using live-imaging in this model, represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rasmussen, Jeffrey Philip — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Rasmussen, Jeffrey Philip
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.