Understanding the role of skin lipases in skin health and disease
Official title: Pathologic consequences of epidermal lipase deficiencies
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11039986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in your skin, called lipases, help keep your skin healthy and how not having enough of them might lead to skin problems like atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis, with the goal of finding new treatments to help people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | February 20, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $169,120 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR084158-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with atopic dermatitis or genetic conditions related to skin lipase deficiencies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with skin conditions unrelated to lipase deficiencies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological functions of specific skin lipases, which are proteins important for skin development and health. The study aims to explore how deficiencies in these lipases, particularly lipases K, M, and N, may contribute to skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis. Researchers will use human skin models and a special mouse model to examine the effects of these deficiencies on skin function and development. By uncovering the roles of these proteins, the research hopes to identify potential new treatments for skin diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies for patients suffering from inherited skin conditions and atopic dermatitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated the importance of skin lipases in skin health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turner, Matthew J — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Turner, Matthew J
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.