Understanding how specific proteins help skin cells adapt to stress
Official title: Role and regulation of a differentiation-specific keratin in keratinocyte adaptation to mechanical stress
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11056682 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in your skin help your palms and soles stay strong and healthy when they face pressure or stress, which could help people understand skin conditions caused by protein changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $42,368 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AR083249-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056682 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with palmoplantar keratoderma or other skin conditions affecting the palms and soles.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with skin conditions unrelated to keratin mutations or mechanical stress may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific keratin proteins in helping skin cells, particularly in the palms and soles, adapt to mechanical stress. By examining how these proteins are expressed and regulated in response to stress, the study aims to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to skin resilience. The research utilizes both human and mouse models to explore the implications of keratin mutations that can lead to skin disorders. Patients may gain insights into the biological processes that affect skin health and resilience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for skin conditions related to mechanical stress and keratin mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding keratin functions in skin resilience, suggesting that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steiner, Sarah N — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Steiner, Sarah N
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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.