Investigating how skin bacteria interact with skin cells using advanced models
Official title: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockouts in reconstructed human epidermis to profile skin microbiome interactions
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11059360 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny bacteria and fungi on our skin interact with our skin cells to understand their role in skin health and diseases, using special lab-created skin models to see what happens when certain genes are changed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 10, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $198,782 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR084297-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059360 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with skin infections or inflammatory skin disorders who may benefit from improved understanding and treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-skin-related health issues or those not experiencing skin infections or inflammatory conditions may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the interactions between the skin microbiome and skin cells by using genetically modified 3D skin models. The study will utilize reconstructed human epidermis to create a platform for examining how various skin bacteria and fungi affect skin health and contribute to diseases. By knocking out specific human genes and observing the effects of different microbial populations, researchers hope to gain insights into the mechanisms behind skin infections and inflammatory disorders. This approach combines advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to provide a detailed understanding of these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating skin infections and inflammatory skin conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar 3D models to study skin microbiome interactions, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oh, Julia — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Oh, Julia
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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.