Understanding how skin cells grow and become specialized

Regulators of epidermal growth and differentiation

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11126871

This research looks at how skin cells grow and change at a fundamental level, which could help us understand conditions like eczema.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11126871 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our skin constantly renews itself, and this project explores the tiny genetic switches that control how skin cells grow and mature. We are focusing on specific factors that help turn genes on or off, guiding skin stem cells to either multiply or become specialized skin cells. Understanding these processes is key to maintaining healthy skin and could offer new insights into skin conditions. This work aims to uncover the fundamental ways our skin keeps itself healthy and repairs itself.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research is relevant to adults experiencing skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, though direct patient participation is not currently described.

Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to skin cell growth and differentiation may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to treat skin conditions where growth and differentiation are disrupted, such as eczema.

How similar studies have performed: The researchers have already identified specific factors that play a role in skin cell growth and differentiation, building on previous findings.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.