Understanding how YAP/TAZ affects skin aging and collagen maintenance
Official title: YAP/TAZ Regulation of Extracellular Matrix Homeostasis
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10933560 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in your skin help keep it healthy as you age, especially how skin cells that make collagen change over time, with the goal of finding ways to prevent or treat skin problems that come with getting older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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 | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $653,590 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083378-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933560 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing skin aging or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute skin injuries or conditions unrelated to aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of YAP/TAZ proteins in maintaining the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the skin, particularly as it ages. It focuses on how dermal fibroblasts, which produce collagen, change their behavior in response to the ECM environment. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved, the research aims to uncover why aged skin experiences a decline in collagen production and an increase in degradation. This could lead to insights into preventing or treating age-related skin conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve skin health and combat age-related skin diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cellular signaling pathways in skin health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fisher, Gary J — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Fisher, Gary J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Expanding genetic testing for cancer risk in patients and families
This study is working to make it easier for cancer patients in Michigan to get genetic testing for cancer risk by improving how doctors gather family history and assess genetic risks, so that more people can receive the important evaluations they need.
-
HEARTS hypertension and diabetes care in Guatemala
This grant tests how well the HEARTS primary care model works in Guatemala to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for patients.
-
Why the retina can sometimes heal itself and how we might help it heal
This NIH grant explores how inflammation and neural cells interact in the zebrafish retina to understand retinal neuron death and regeneration, with potential implications for human vision.
-
Integrated Heart Health: A HEARTS-based approach to hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala
A study tests a team-based, stepwise care model to improve blood pressure and blood sugar control for people with both hypertension and diabetes in Guatemala.
-
Understanding how work exposures and genes influence ALS risk
A study is building a long-term group of people at higher risk for ALS to see how their jobs, exposures at work, and genes together affect if and when the disease might develop.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
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.