Understanding how skin adapts to different environments and its role in vitamin D production
Official title: Skin Barrier Adaptation
Funded at Henry Ford Health System · NIH-10876962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called involucrin helps our skin adapt to different environments and how it affects skin health and immune responses, which could help people with conditions like atopic dermatitis understand their skin better and find ways to support it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | July 19, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $345,716 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR079888-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with atopic dermatitis or those interested in skin health, particularly those of African descent.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with skin conditions unrelated to epidermal function or vitamin D metabolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which the skin's outer layer, or epidermis, adapts to various environmental conditions, particularly focusing on the role of a specific protein called involucrin in vitamin D receptor function. By studying both human populations and mouse models, the research aims to uncover how variations in involucrin expression can influence skin health and immune responses. Patients may benefit from insights into how their skin functions and how it can be better supported, especially in relation to conditions like atopic dermatitis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for skin conditions and better understanding of vitamin D's role in skin health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding skin barrier function and vitamin D's role, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health System
Detroit, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Strong, Cristina de Guzman — Henry Ford Health System
- Study coordinator: Strong, Cristina de Guzman
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.