Investigating a genetic factor that enhances skin wound healing
Official title: Role of the FAAH-OUT locus in cutaneous wound healing
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11050986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a 69-year-old woman who heals skin wounds really fast and with little scarring because of a special genetic change, and the researchers hope to learn from her to find new ways to help people, especially older adults, heal better from chronic wounds.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | March 6, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $488,336 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AR079992-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with chronic wounds or those interested in advanced wound healing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute wounds that heal normally without complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a unique case of a 69-year-old woman who heals skin wounds exceptionally quickly with minimal scarring due to a specific genetic deletion. By analyzing her skin tissue and using advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and skin repair models, the researchers aim to uncover how this genetic change influences the healing process. The study also seeks to identify the molecular mechanisms involved, which could lead to new treatments for chronic wounds that affect many individuals, especially the elderly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that significantly improve wound healing for patients with chronic wounds.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific genetic approach is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding wound healing mechanisms and developing targeted therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Bryan — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Sun, Bryan
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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.