Understanding how healthy skin differences can lead to specific skin diseases
Official title: Role of healthy skin molecular phenotype in the switch to specific skin diseases
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10709874 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the skin of African American and White Non-Hispanic individuals reacts differently at a genetic level to understand why some skin conditions, like eczema and psoriasis, are more common in these groups, with the hope of finding better ways to treat and prevent these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $182,121 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR081520-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10709874 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from African American and White Non-Hispanic backgrounds who are at risk for inflammatory skin diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the studied populations or those without a history of inflammatory skin diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences in gene expression between healthy skin from African American and White Non-Hispanic individuals to understand why certain inflammatory skin diseases, like atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, are more prevalent in these populations. Using advanced RNA sequencing and 3D skin cultures, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that trigger the transition from healthy skin to specific inflammatory conditions. By examining how skin cells respond to inflammatory signals, the research seeks to identify potential targets for treatment and prevention of these diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for inflammatory skin diseases, particularly for populations at higher risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding skin disease mechanisms through gene expression analysis and 3D skin models, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Budunova, Irina — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Budunova, Irina
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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.