Transforming scar tissue into healing skin
Official title: Converting wound scar into healing with regeneration
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-10793563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special pathway in our bodies can help heal skin wounds better and reduce scarring, which could be great news for anyone dealing with skin injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $474,199 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR074995-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10793563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults with skin injuries or scars, particularly those resulting from skin cancer or other malignant skin conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-skin-related injuries or conditions that do not involve skin healing may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a specific signaling pathway, known as SHH, can enhance the healing process of skin wounds in mammals, including humans. Typically, when skin is injured, it heals with scar tissue that lacks the original skin structure, including hair follicles. The researchers aim to determine if activating SHH can help regenerate these lost structures by studying the role of certain cells in the healing process. By understanding these mechanisms, the research hopes to find ways to improve skin regeneration and reduce scarring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance skin healing and reduce scarring for patients with skin injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using signaling pathways to enhance tissue regeneration, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ito, Mayumi — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ito, Mayumi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This study is looking at how naked mole rats heal their skin without scars, and it hopes to find ways to help people heal better and avoid scars too.
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Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing Network at the University of Arizona
A NIH-supported project at the University of Arizona aims to improve healing of diabetic foot ulcers by studying biomarkers and running high-quality clinical trials.
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Understanding how skin layers coordinate healing after injury
Researchers are studying how different layers of adult skin coordinate rapid healing after injury to prevent infection and chronic wounds.
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Immunomodulatory therapy to speed up healing after oral cavity injuries in kids
A new approach using a drug called FTY720 aims to improve healing and reduce pain after oral injuries or palate surgery in children.
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SCAR Clinical Research Consortium: Understanding and Predicting Severe Skin Reactions
A national network will study severe skin drug reactions like SJS/TEN and DRESS to improve diagnosis, severity measures, and future drug safety trials.
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How diabetic wounds let Group B Streptococcus cause infections
Researchers are learning how high blood sugar, immune changes, and other bacteria in diabetic wounds help Group B Streptococcus grow and cause worse infections in people with diabetes.
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.