What makes different parts of the skin unique
Molecular mechanisms controlling skin heterogeneity
Researchers will map the genes and chromatin features that make skin from different body sites behave differently, using samples from developing and adult human skin.
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 ID | NIH-11391418 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at cells taken from different parts of the body to find what makes each site of skin unique. Scientists will use single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell ATAC sequencing on both developing (embryonic) and adult human skin to find genes and open chromatin regions that differ by location. They will test candidate factors in the lab to see if changing them can change regional skin traits. The work aims to explain why conditions like acne, hair loss, psoriasis, and vitiligo prefer certain body regions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who can donate small skin samples (for example during surgery or by biopsy) or people with region-specific skin conditions may be able to participate.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate clinical treatment or those with skin conditions that are not location-specific may not get direct benefit from this early-stage molecular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to prevent or treat skin problems that affect specific body sites, such as acne, baldness, or localized psoriasis.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell gene and chromatin mapping has clarified many skin cell types in prior studies, but applying these methods specifically to body-site differences is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Millar, Sarah E. — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Millar, Sarah E.
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.