Understanding how skin cells recycle their components to maintain skin health

Mechanisms of reticulophagy and ER stress mitigation in epidermis

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10888996

This study is looking at how skin cells recycle their parts to keep our skin healthy and strong, which could help improve treatments for skin issues like atopic dermatitis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10888996 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the processes by which skin cells, specifically keratinocytes, recycle their organelles to maintain the skin's protective barrier. By using advanced techniques like microscopy and gene editing, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that drive the differentiation and degradation of these cells. This knowledge could lead to better treatments for skin conditions related to barrier dysfunction, such as atopic dermatitis. The study focuses on understanding how these processes can be manipulated to improve skin health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from skin conditions like atopic dermatitis or other disorders related to epidermal barrier dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with skin conditions unrelated to epidermal barrier dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for skin conditions that affect the epidermal barrier, improving the quality of life for patients with these disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cellular recycling processes in other contexts, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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.