Turning scar-causing skin cells into healing cells to reduce scarring
Reprogramming fibroblasts embryonic origins to overcome skin fibrosis and scarring.
This project aims to change scar-forming skin cells so adult wounds heal with less scarring.
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 ID | NIH-11299553 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is working to shift the behavior of scar-producing skin cells so wounds heal more like facial skin, which naturally scars less. They compare different fibroblast types and use single-cell RNA sequencing to pinpoint a Robo2–EID1–EP300 signaling pathway that seems to promote regenerative healing. The researchers will test drugs that block the EP300 bromodomain and use CRISPR and cell transplantation in lab models to see if modified cells reduce fibrosis. Promising results could lead to new ways to prevent or lessen scars after injury or surgery.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with skin injuries, surgical wounds, or bothersome scars who can travel to and participate at a research center would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People under 21, those with non-skin (internal organ) fibrosis, or anyone unable to travel to the study site would likely not benefit directly from this grant's work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that reduce visible scarring and restore function after skin injuries or surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and animal studies suggest fibroblast reprogramming and EP300 bromodomain blockade can reduce scarring, but benefits in people have not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Longaker, Michael T — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Longaker, Michael T
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 below.