Development of Epidermolysis Bullosa Patient-Derived Skin Organoids
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School
Overview:
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare and painful skin disease that causes the skin to be extremely fragile, leading to frequent blistering and wounds. There is currently no cure, and treatment mainly focuses on wound care and pain management. This project aims to better understand EB by creating small, labgrown versions of human skin—called skin organoids—from the cells of EB patients. These cells will first be turned into stem cells and then coaxed to grow into miniature, 3D skin-like structures using advanced lab techniques. These skin organoids will mimic the disease in a controlled setting, helping researchers study how EB works and how it might be treated. By developing a model that more accurately reflects the human condition, we hope to test new therapies and one day help create personalized treatments for people living with EB. This research could bring us closer to a long-term solution for EB.
Status:
This was funded through a 2025 PeDRA Emerging Investigator Research Grant.