CD38 and NAD metabolism in scleroderma
CD38 modulation of NAD metabolism driving scleroderma pathogenesis
This research looks at whether changing the activity of CD38 and related NAD metabolism can reduce the scarring that damages organs in people with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11187263 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying skin and other tissue samples from people with systemic sclerosis alongside laboratory and mouse experiments to understand how CD38 and the enzyme NNMT change NAD and nicotinamide levels and drive fibrosis. They will use genetic and drug-based approaches in mice to see whether blocking CD38 prevents or reverses organ scarring, and test whether inhibiting NNMT stops fibrotic signals triggered by TGF-β in cells. The team maps which cell types make CD38 or NNMT in patient biopsies to link the lab findings to actual patients and to identify potential drug targets. Overall the work combines patient samples, cell studies, and animal tests to point toward treatments that could be tested in people later.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with systemic sclerosis who are willing to provide skin or tissue biopsies or to be considered for future clinical trials targeting CD38/NAD pathways.
Not a fit: People without systemic sclerosis or those with long-standing, irreversible organ damage from other causes are unlikely to benefit from this line of research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new therapies that reduce or reverse fibrosis and preserve organ function in people with scleroderma.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work shows that genetic or drug blockade of CD38 protects mice from fibrosis, but applying this approach to people is novel and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Varga, John — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Varga, John
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.