Transforming skin cells to reduce scarring and fibrosis.
Official title: Reprogramming fibroblasts embryonic origins to overcome skin fibrosis and scarring.
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11061806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make skin cells called fibroblasts better at healing wounds with less scarring, especially by using cells from the face that heal well, so that people can have improved healing no matter where their wounds are.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $355,229 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032677-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061806 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with skin injuries or conditions that result in excessive scarring, particularly those over 21 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-skin related conditions or those who do not have issues with scarring may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific skin cells, called fibroblasts, can be reprogrammed to heal wounds with less scarring. By understanding the differences between fibroblasts from various origins, the study aims to identify ways to promote better healing using advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 and cell transplantation. The researchers have found that certain fibroblasts from facial skin heal wounds more effectively than those from other areas, and they will explore how to replicate this effect in other skin types.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce scarring and improve healing in patients with skin injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to improve healing and reduce scarring, indicating that this line of investigation could be fruitful.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Longaker, Michael T — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Longaker, Michael T
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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.