NIH-funded research R01 grant

Autophagy genes and lupus in African Americans

Official title: Contributions of autophagy-related genes in lupus

Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11388651 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A study to understand how autophagy-related genes affect lupus in people, especially in African American patients.

More Lupus research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOklahoma Medical Research Foundation
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project startAugust 18, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$751,755
NIH project number5R01AI172255-04
Project IDNIH-11388651 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with lupus (SLE), especially those of African American descent, who may contribute genetic samples or clinical data.

Less likely to help

Non-lupus individuals or lupus patients who do not meet participant criteria may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project looks at how cellular cleanup genes (autophagy) may influence lupus, a disease that can damage multiple organs. Researchers will examine genetic data and cellular mechanisms to connect gene variants with how lupus develops in patients. The study will involve analysis of human samples and data from individuals with lupus, with attention to ethnic differences. Results could point to new ways to predict risk or tailor treatments for those most affected. The work is conducted at a major medical research center with strong collaboration across specialties.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to better risk prediction and more personalized therapies for lupus, particularly in African American patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous genetic and autophagy studies in lupus have identified associations, but causal mechanisms remain to be clarified in humans.

Where this research is happening

  • Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
    Oklahoma City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Nath, Swapan K. — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
  • Study coordinator: Nath, Swapan K.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.