Understanding how Merkel cells regenerate and their role in touch and itch sensations
Official title: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Merkel Cell Loss and Regeneration
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10999568 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our bodies lose and regrow special skin cells called Merkel cells, which help us feel light touch and manage itchiness, especially as we get older or have dry skin, to find new ways to help reduce itchiness for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $605,076 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG089916-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999568 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing increased itch sensations and dry skin conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not experience issues with itch sensations or dry skin may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control the loss and regeneration of Merkel cells, which are essential for sensing light touch and regulating itch sensations. The study focuses on how aging and dry skin conditions affect the number of these cells, particularly in older adults. Using mouse models, researchers will explore the regeneration process of Merkel cells and identify the specific progenitor cells responsible for this regeneration. The findings could lead to new therapies aimed at preventing itch sensations associated with aging and skin dryness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate itch sensations in elderly patients suffering from dry skin.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding cell regeneration mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ezhkova, Elena — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Ezhkova, Elena
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.