Understanding how fat cells change into scar-forming cells in healing wounds.
Official title: Defining the role of mechanoresponsive adipocyte-to-fibroblast transition in wound fibrosis.
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11042278 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fat cells in your skin can change into scar-making cells when you heal from a wound, and it aims to find new ways to help reduce scarring for anyone who has had a cut or injury.
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 | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $331,880 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081343-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042278 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with wounds that are healing and may be at risk of developing significant scarring.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with wounds that are not healing or those with conditions unrelated to scarring may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how fat cells in the skin can transform into scar-forming cells during the healing process of wounds. By examining the molecular dynamics and mechanical factors involved in this transition, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic targets to prevent or reduce scarring. The researchers will utilize advanced techniques such as genetic lineage tracing and multi-omic analysis to track and analyze these cell changes in a controlled environment. This could lead to a better understanding of wound healing and fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly reduce scarring and improve healing outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting adipocyte-to-fibroblast transition is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cellular dynamics in wound healing.
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.