Understanding how specific fats in skin affect barrier function and skin diseases.

Sphingolipid Biosynthesis in the Healthy and Diseased Epidermal Barrier

['FUNDING_R01'] · VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY · NIH-10981643

This study is looking at how certain fats in your skin, called ceramides, help keep your skin healthy and how they change in conditions like atopic dermatitis, so we can better understand skin health and find new ways to help people with this common skin issue.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RICHMOND, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10981643 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of unique sphingolipid ceramides in the skin's outer layer, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy epidermal barrier. It aims to understand how these ceramides are altered in conditions like atopic dermatitis, a common skin disorder. By genetically modifying the expression of specific proteins involved in ceramide production, the researchers will explore how these changes impact skin health. The study will utilize advanced techniques, including organoid cultures and animal models, to gain insights into skin barrier function.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages suffering from atopic dermatitis or related skin disorders.

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 treatments for skin conditions like atopic dermatitis by restoring or enhancing the skin barrier.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding skin barrier function and its relation to skin diseases, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

RICHMOND, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.