Improving healing by studying fat cell interactions
Official title: Controlling Adipocyte-Myofibroblast Interactions to Improve Healing
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-10900569 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fat cells and healing cells work together to help wounds heal better and reduce scarring, with the goal of creating improved treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $437,515 |
| NIH project number | 5R01GM145626-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900569 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic wounds or those undergoing reconstructive surgeries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute injuries that heal without complications may not receive significant benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how interactions between fat cells and fibroblasts (a type of cell involved in wound healing) can be controlled to enhance the healing process. The researchers aim to understand how signals from fat cells influence the behavior of fibroblasts and their transformation into myofibroblasts, which play a crucial role in tissue repair. By exploring these cellular communications, the study seeks to develop better treatments for wounds and reduce scarring. Patients may benefit from improved healing therapies derived from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for wound healing and reduced scarring.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using fat cells for improving wound healing, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sander, Edward a — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Sander, Edward a
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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.