Understanding how specific skin cells contribute to chronic itch
Official title: Deciphering the Piezo2-Merkel cell signaling mechanisms in itch
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10898039 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain skin cells contribute to chronic itch, with the hope of finding new treatments to help people who struggle with this frustrating condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $550,782 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR077183-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10898039 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from chronic itch due to conditions like atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute itch or those whose itch is not related to the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind chronic itch, a condition that can be debilitating and difficult to treat. By focusing on the Piezo2-Merkel cell signaling pathway, the study aims to uncover how these skin cells influence the sensation of itch. The approach involves using animal models to observe the effects of manipulating these signaling pathways on itch responses. The ultimate goal is to develop new therapies that can effectively alleviate chronic itch for patients suffering from various skin conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that significantly reduce chronic itch and improve the quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding itch mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on Piezo2-Merkel cell signaling is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Hongzhen — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Hu, Hongzhen
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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.