Research Award Program
The Dermatology Foundation’s membership made it possible to provide $2.97 million in funding to more than 61 researchers, across 23 academic institutions and 38 investigation areas. Congratulations to the individuals who received a DF mid-career award, career development award, fellowship, grant, or diversity research supplement award.
Satish Sati, PhD
University of Pennsylvania
Research Career Development Award
Featured Award Recipient
Investigating Neuroimmune Interactions to Promote Scarless Skin Regeneration
Approximately 100 million new skin scars appear annually in the U.S. The many products marketed for scar prevention produce only modest results. We discovered that activation of the TRPA1 receptor on sensory neurons promotes scarless skin regeneration in mice. This current project aims to decipher molecular mechanisms controlling scar formation and skin regeneration in mammals, then identify new strategies to prevent scar formation in humans.
Meet the Investigators
Exploring Gene Expression Patterns and Biomarkers of Disease Severity in Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA), which has been associated with uterine fibroids, is unlike other scarring alopecias because fibrosis rather…
Characterizing the Microbiome in Postmenopausal Women with Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus
Vulvar lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory condition that leads to scarring, obliteration of normal vulvar architecture, dyspareunia, and significant…
Cell Signaling Changes Induced by Surgical Debulking May Improve Response to Smoothened Inhibitor Therapy
Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors, such as vismodegib, are effective treatments for locally advanced basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). However, recurrences are frequent…
Characterizing the Role of the Cutaneous Microbiota in Darier Disease
Darier disease is an inherited disorder of acantholytic dyskeratosis. Lesions are most prominent on seborrheic skin and are prone to…
Immunoediting in Cutaneous Squamous Carcinogenesis
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common cancer, with ~700,000 cases, ~3,000 deaths, and billions of dollars…
Assessing the Functional Consequences of Mitochondrial Genomic Alterations in Cutaneous Aging
Mitochondria generate energy for cells. They contain their own genome, which supports their function. Photoaging is associated with alterations to…
Applications for 2025 Open July 15, 2024
Applications for career development awards, fellowships, and grants will be accepted beginning July 15 through October 15. Interested individuals are encouraged to carefully read the general and award-specific eligibility requirements [PDF] before completing an application package. Applications received after the October 15 deadline cannot be considered for funding. Funding begins July 1, 2025.