Promoting regenerative healing for chronic wounds
Official title: Defining translational mechanisms to promote regenerative healing of chronic wounds
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-11212824 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Using new knowledge about skin cells and signals to help older adults and people with diabetes heal chronic wounds more fully and durably.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005299-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11212824 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with chronic, non-healing skin wounds—especially older adults and patients with diabetes (including veterans)—who are willing to receive care and follow-up at the treating site.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal acute wounds that heal quickly or with wound problems unrelated to impaired skin repair mechanisms may not benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
This research looks at the different cell types in human skin and how they communicate during wound repair, with a focus on cells like fibroblasts and macrophages. Scientists will use advanced cell-profiling methods (including CITE-seq) and biochemical studies to map the signals that drive healthy versus non-healing wounds. Findings from human tissue and complementary models will be used to identify targets that can be turned into treatments to restore regenerative healing. The long-term aim is to move promising targets toward therapies that reduce chronic wound complications common in older and diabetic patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that encourage durable, regenerative healing of chronic wounds, lowering infection risk and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal and lab studies have shown key roles for fibroblast subtypes, macrophages, and cytokines in healing, but translating those findings into human therapies is still largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hsia, Henry C — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Hsia, Henry C
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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.