Understanding how skin cells contribute to hair color and skin conditions
The regulation of melanocyte stem cells by Wnt signaling
This research aims to understand how special skin cells, called melanocyte stem cells, are controlled and how they contribute to skin pigmentation and conditions like melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143747 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our goal is to pinpoint where melanocyte stem cells are located and how they are regulated at a molecular level, especially focusing on a pathway called Wnt. We've learned that these stem cells in hair follicles can create hair color and potentially produce other skin cells. We also found that when these hair follicle stem cells become cancerous, the Wnt pathway plays a role in developing melanoma. This work also explores if these important stem cells exist within the skin's surface, which could explain many pigmentation disorders and skin cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients who may develop melanoma or suffer from pigmentation disorders like vitiligo or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Not a fit: Patients without conditions related to melanocyte stem cells or skin pigmentation would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat melanoma, vitiligo, and other skin pigmentation disorders by targeting these specific stem cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that melanocyte stem cells in hair follicles can contribute to hair pigmentation and that the Wnt pathway is involved in their function and in melanoma development.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ito, Mayumi — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ito, Mayumi
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 below.