NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how certain enzymes affect skin barrier formation

Official title: Analytical approaches to fatty acid oxygenases and their lipid mediator products

Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10765369 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain enzymes help create important fats that keep your skin healthy and protected, and it could help people with skin conditions like congenital ichthyosis understand their issues better.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$396,250
NIH project number1R35GM152031-01
Project IDNIH-10765369 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with congenital ichthyosis or other skin disorders related to lipid metabolism.

Less likely to help

Patients with skin conditions unrelated to lipid metabolism or those without significant skin barrier issues may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of specific enzymes, known as lipoxygenases, in the production of lipid molecules that are crucial for maintaining the skin's barrier function. By analyzing how these enzymes interact with fatty acids and their oxidation products, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to the formation of a protective layer in the skin. Patients with conditions like congenital ichthyosis, which results in severe skin issues, may benefit from insights gained through this research. The approach includes advanced techniques such as recombinant enzyme studies and quantitative mass spectrometry to explore these biochemical pathways in detail.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for skin disorders that compromise the skin barrier.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding lipid metabolism and its impact on skin health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Vanderbilt University
    Nashville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Brash, Alan R. — Vanderbilt University
  • Study coordinator: Brash, Alan R.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.