NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Investigating how MFAP5 affects skin scar formation

Official title: MFAP5 and Skin Scar Formation

Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11070206 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain cells in your body help heal wounds and form scars, focusing on a specific protein that might change how these cells work, with the hope of finding better ways to treat scars and improve healing for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES)
Project startMay 2, 2023
Project endMay 1, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$54,538
NIH project number5F31AR082287-03
Project IDNIH-11070206 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults who have experienced significant skin injuries or surgeries that may result in scarring.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-skin related conditions or those who do not have issues with scar formation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind scar formation, particularly how fibroblasts (cells involved in wound healing) contribute to the development of fibrous scars. The study will explore the role of microfibril-associated protein 5 (MFAP5) in fibroblast activation and its impact on the healing process. By utilizing advanced bioinformatics and laboratory techniques, the research aims to uncover how these cells behave during wound repair and how they might be manipulated to improve healing outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better treatments for scars and fibrosis.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for scar formation and related conditions, enhancing healing and reducing fibrosis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding fibroblast behavior in wound healing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Han, Chen — University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Han, Chen

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.