Understanding and Restoring Skin's Ability to Heal as We Age
Epigenetic Regulation of Skin Regeneration
['FUNDING_P01'] · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · NIH-11112472
This project looks at how aging affects skin stem cells and their ability to heal wounds, hoping to find ways to restore their youthful function.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11112472 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As we get older, our skin's ability to heal wounds often slows down, causing many health problems. This happens because the special stem cells in our skin become less effective with age. This project explores how changes in these stem cells' "epigenetics" – the way genes are turned on or off – contribute to this problem. Researchers plan to study these changes in wound healing and aging and test new methods to reset these aging stem cells, aiming to help skin heal better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients experiencing slow or defective wound healing due to aging skin might eventually benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with wound healing issues unrelated to skin aging or stem cell function may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that help older skin heal wounds more effectively and restore its regenerative capabilities.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific epigenetic reprogramming approach is novel, prior research has indicated the importance of skin stem cells and epigenetic regulation in aging and wound healing.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIAN, CHRISTINE GUO — BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: LIAN, CHRISTINE GUO
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.