Understanding how different tissues heal after injury
Official title: Spatio-temporal cellular dynamics regulating differential healing outcomes
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10939049 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of wounds heal, especially why mouth wounds seem to heal faster than skin wounds, to find ways to help everyone heal better, whether they have a regular injury or a more serious condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $400,825 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM154921-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939049 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with chronic wounds, such as those with diabetes, or patients experiencing abnormal healing processes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute injuries that heal normally without complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the healing processes of various tissues, particularly focusing on how wounds in the oral cavity heal faster than those on the skin. By examining the cellular dynamics involved in the healing phases—Inflammatory, Proliferative, and Resolution—the study aims to identify critical points where healing can be optimized or becomes pathological. Utilizing advanced single-cell and spatial sequencing technologies, the research will compare healthy healing with chronic and cancerous conditions to uncover insights that could improve healing outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for chronic wounds and better healing strategies for various injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been research on healing processes, this study's specific focus on comparing oral and skin healing at the single-cell level is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wietecha, Mateusz S — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Wietecha, Mateusz S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
MSC Secretome Eye Drops to Speed Healing of Corneal Wounds
A new eye drop made from stem cell–secreted factors is being tested to help adults with non-healing corneal wounds recover vision faster.
-
UIC Center for Healthy Work
A national program led by UIC aims to improve the health and well-being of workers through collaborative research and practical solutions.
-
Coordinated Oral Health Promotion for Chicago Kids
A long-running study in Chicago is following children and their caregivers to find ways to reduce tooth decay and improve daily life for families.
-
Targeting p38 MAPK to slow ALS-related axonal damage
Aims to block a specific brain-wide signaling pathway (p38 MAPK) to reduce nerve damage in people with various genetic forms of ALS.
-
Precision nanomedicine to calm inflammation and protect bone in gum disease
A new, targeted nanomedicine approach aims to reduce gum inflammation and prevent bone loss in adults with periodontal disease.
-
Role of DPP in Dental Pulp Stem Cells and their Regenerative Potential
A project explores how a natural tooth protein helps dental pulp stem cells repair and regenerate the tooth’s inner tissue.
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.