Why keloid scars form
Causative mechanisms for keloid formation
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT · NIH-11221907
Researchers will test whether four specific gene changes cause keloid scarring by studying skin cells and lab-grown skin models, focusing on families with inherited keloids often seen in people of African ancestry.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11221907 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about work that looks at genes found in large families with inherited keloids, especially in people of African ancestry. Scientists will use skin cells from patients and organ-like lab-grown skin to see if the four candidate gene variants produce keloid-like behaviour such as excess scarring, inflammation, or altered wound healing. They will study molecular pathways and cellular changes linked to those variants to understand how they drive keloid formation. The goal is to connect specific gene changes to the biological steps that make keloids grow and persist.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with keloid scars—especially those from families with multiple affected members or of African ancestry—who can provide skin samples or genetic information.
Not a fit: People without keloids or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to get direct benefit from this lab-focused research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to the genetic causes of keloids and reveal targets for new, more effective treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Related genetic and cell-based studies have linked genes to fibrotic and wound-healing problems, but applying these four family-derived variants in organotypic skin models is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT — FARMINGTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: REICHENBERGER, ERNST J — UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCH OF MED/DNT
- Study coordinator: REICHENBERGER, ERNST 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 below.