Abnormal protein pieces made by neutrophils that may trigger lupus
Altered protein structures and neoepitopes in lupus neutrophils from dysregulated splicing of messenger RNA
This project looks for unusual protein pieces made in immune cells from people with lupus that could spark the immune system.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307147 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work analyzes neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) from people with systemic lupus erythematosus and from comparison donors to find differences in how their messenger RNA is cut and joined. Researchers will use RNA sequencing to map altered splicing and targeted mass spectrometry to see whether the altered RNA sequences are turned into changed proteins. They will study whether these altered proteins are broken into pieces that appear on immune-presenting molecules (MHC) and whether splicing changes link to age, sex, disease activity, and interferon signals. The team will also search for causes of the abnormal splicing to point toward ways to detect or stop the immune reaction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus who can provide blood samples and clinical information may be eligible.
Not a fit: People without lupus or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to get direct medical benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new markers or targets for diagnosing or treating lupus by showing how altered proteins provoke the immune system.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown altered RNA splicing in lupus cells, but confirming that these changes produce altered proteins and immune-triggering peptides is a new and unproven step.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mustelin, Tomas M — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Mustelin, Tomas M
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.