NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Improving skin cell function in older adults

Official title: Optimizing Keratinocyte Calcium Signaling Enhances Differentiation in Aged Epidermis

Funded at Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco · NIH-10951527 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how aging affects calcium signals in skin cells, which can cause issues like dryness and itchiness, and it aims to find ways to improve skin health in older adults using vitamin D and other treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project startOctober 1, 2023
Project endSeptember 30, 2027
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX006094-02
Project IDNIH-10951527 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing skin problems related to aging, such as dryness or increased susceptibility to infections.

Less likely to help

Patients who are younger and do not have age-related skin conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how calcium signaling in skin cells changes with age and how these changes can lead to skin problems such as dryness, itchiness, and increased susceptibility to infections. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind these age-related changes and to explore treatments that could enhance calcium signaling using vitamin D or specific compounds. By studying both intrinsic aging and the effects of environmental factors like pollution, the researchers hope to develop therapies that improve skin health in older adults.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve skin health and reduce age-related skin issues for older adults.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing skin cell function through calcium signaling modulation, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
    San Francisco, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mauro, Theodora M — Veterans Affairs Med Ctr San Francisco
  • Study coordinator: Mauro, Theodora M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.