Award
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases 5R01AR081355-04
Cellular and molecular regulators of melanocyte regeneration
Recipient
University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester
Award Amount
$409,770.00
Ceiling
$409,770.00
Awarded
March 19, 2026
Identifier
5R01AR081355-04
Research grant awarded to study genetic and cellular factors in melanocyte regeneration using human and zebrafish models, aiming to inform treatments for pigmentary disorders and melanoma.
Description
The project aims to identify and characterize genetic and cellular factors that guide melanocyte regeneration, focusing on human melanocyte stem cells and zebrafish models. It seeks to understand pathways such as NGFR signaling, which may support stem cell states and contribute to melanoma resistance. The study involves single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) to analyze gene expression and cellular trajectories during regeneration, with the goal of informing treatments for pigmentary disorders like vitiligo.