A new mouse model for studying joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Cadherin-11-cre deleter mouse
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-10784524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new mouse model to help scientists learn more about certain cells that contribute to joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis, with the goal of finding better treatments for people living with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | March 28, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $286,922 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AR078677-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10784524 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who may benefit from innovative treatment approaches targeting FLS.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to rheumatoid arthritis or those who do not have access to the specific therapies being developed may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating and validating a novel mouse model that allows for targeted gene deletion in specific cells involved in rheumatoid arthritis, known as fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). By using this model, researchers aim to better understand the role of FLS in joint damage and explore new therapeutic targets that could lead to improved treatments for patients. The study will assess whether the new mouse model can effectively delete genes in FLS without affecting the overall severity of arthritis, providing insights into potential therapies that could minimize the need for immunosuppression in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that better control rheumatoid arthritis while reducing the side effects associated with current treatments.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar research has shown promise in targeting specific cell types in autoimmune diseases, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bottini, Nunzio — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bottini, Nunzio
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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.