Investigating gene markers that affect healing in diabetic foot ulcers
Official title: Inflammation-related gene biomarkers in human diabetic foot ulcer healing
Funded at Drexel University · NIH-11090049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inflammation affects the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes, and it aims to find specific genes that can help predict how well these wounds will heal, so that doctors can better manage treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 4, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $492,354 |
| NIH project number | 4R33DK131917-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are diabetic patients suffering from foot ulcers who are experiencing impaired healing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetic foot ulcers or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how inflammation impacts the healing of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which affect many diabetic patients. It aims to identify specific gene biomarkers that can predict how well these wounds will heal over time. By analyzing the balance between early-stage inflammatory genes and late-stage resolution genes, the study seeks to develop a composite biomarker known as the Inflammation Index. This index will help determine the responsiveness to treatment and guide better management of DFUs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healing outcomes for patients with diabetic foot ulcers, potentially reducing the need for amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using gene expression profiles to predict healing outcomes, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Drexel University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spiller, Kara Lorraine — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Spiller, Kara Lorraine
Related research
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-
Home-based exercise to help Veterans recover after healed diabetic foot ulcers
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Wound fluid test to predict healing in diabetic foot ulcers
This project looks for chemical signals in the fluid from diabetic foot ulcers that could tell adults with diabetes whether a wound will heal with standard care or need a different treatment.
-
Identifying biomarkers in wound fluid for diabetic foot ulcers
This study is looking at special substances in the fluid from diabetic foot ulcers to see if they can help doctors predict how well the wounds will heal, which could lead to better and more personalized treatments for people with these types of wounds.
-
Investigating gene markers that affect healing in diabetic foot ulcers
This study is looking at how inflammation affects the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes, and it's creating a special test to help doctors understand how well these wounds are healing so they can provide better, personalized care for patients.
-
Home exercise program to help Veterans recover after a recently healed diabetic foot ulcer
A home-based exercise program designed to help Veterans who recently healed from a diabetic foot ulcer regain strength, mobility, and independence.
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.