How the skin's environment affects aging and cancer development
Official title: The impact of the dermal ECM microenvironment on cutaneous aging and cancer
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11057596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in our skin as we get older, especially a protein called MMP1, might lead to skin aging and a higher chance of skin cancer, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how to better care for their skin as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $624,580 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081805-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing signs of skin aging or those at risk for skin cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no signs of skin aging or those who are not at risk for skin cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how age-related changes in the skin's extracellular matrix, particularly the increase of a protein called matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1), contribute to skin aging and the development of skin cancer. By studying both human skin samples and a specially designed mouse model, the research aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that lead to skin deterioration and increased cancer risk as people age. The findings could help identify new strategies for preventing or treating age-related skin conditions and cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for aging skin and reduced risk of skin cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting the extracellular matrix can lead to significant improvements in skin health, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Gary J — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Gary J
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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.