Understanding how skin cells attach to the basement membrane
Official title: The tetraspanin CD151 and integrin α3β1 signaling complex in basement membrane adhesion
Funded at Harvard University · NIH-11054556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two proteins help skin cells stick to the layer underneath them, which is really important for keeping our skin healthy, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with skin conditions like epidermolysis bullosa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $35,118 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AR083740-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with skin conditions such as epidermolysis bullosa or other adhesion-related disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with skin conditions unrelated to adhesion or those without any skin disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the tetraspanin CD151 and the integrin α3β1 in the adhesion of skin cells to the basement membrane, which is crucial for maintaining skin integrity. By examining how these proteins interact and function together, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that could lead to skin diseases like epidermolysis bullosa. The approach involves studying the signaling pathways and cellular interactions that facilitate proper cell attachment and adhesion. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new treatments for skin conditions caused by adhesion defects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for skin diseases related to cell adhesion issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell adhesion mechanisms, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard University
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Litzau, Lauren Anne — Harvard University
- Study coordinator: Litzau, Lauren Anne
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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.