Understanding Skin Barrier Health in Conditions like Atopic Dermatitis
Sphingolipid Biosynthesis in the Healthy and Diseased Epidermal Barrier
This work explores how special fats in our skin help create a strong barrier and how changes in these fats might lead to skin conditions like eczema.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11121933 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our skin has a protective outer layer, called the stratum corneum, which relies on unique fats called ceramides to form a strong barrier. In conditions like atopic dermatitis, this barrier doesn't work as well, and the ceramides are often different. This project aims to understand how specific building blocks of these ceramides are made in healthy skin and how their changes contribute to skin diseases. We will use advanced lab models and animal studies to learn more about these important skin components. The goal is to uncover new ways to support skin health and improve treatments for barrier-related skin conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical applications may benefit individuals with atopic dermatitis or other skin barrier disorders.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to strengthen the skin barrier and develop better treatments for conditions like atopic dermatitis.
How similar studies have performed: The specific concepts about the unique sphingoid backbones in the epidermis have not been experimentally addressed before, making this a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wattenberg, Brian W. — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Wattenberg, Brian W.
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 below.