CD38 and NAD metabolism in scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) fibrosis
Official title: CD38 modulation of NAD metabolism driving scleroderma pathogenesis
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11401084 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how changes in NAD metabolism related to CD38 and NNMT may drive scarring in systemic sclerosis and tests new ways to stop it.
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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $635,184 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081788-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401084 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) or biopsy samples showing fibrotic tissue.
✕Less likely to help
People without systemic sclerosis or unrelated fibrotic conditions may not benefit from this specific study.
What this research studies
In people with systemic sclerosis, fibrosis damages multiple organs and there is no good treatment yet. Researchers will study how the enzymes CD38 and NNMT affect NAD and NAM levels and how this metabolic axis influences fibrotic processes. They will use animal models and human biopsy data to see if blocking CD38 or NNMT can reduce fibrosis. The team aims to identify a new metabolic target that could lead to therapies for preventing or reversing organ scarring. The work could pave the way for future clinical approaches in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow or stop organ fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show CD38 and NNMT involvement in fibrosis, with some studies suggesting that altering NAD metabolism can influence fibrotic responses.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Angiogenesis imaging in scleroderma to track digital ulcers
A patient-friendly look at using a special imaging tracer to watch blood vessel growth in the hands of people with scleroderma to help manage digital ulcers.
-
Cell-level clues to skin scarring in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
A study at the University of Pittsburgh is looking at how skin cells and their helpers change at the DNA level in adults and children with systemic sclerosis to find new targets to reduce scarring.
-
Pediatric Scleroderma: Mapping Cells and Tissues to Personalize Care
A study will map the different cell types and tissue patterns in skin from children with scleroderma to identify patient-specific disease subtypes that could guide targeted therapies.
-
ISG15-positive monocytes and SPP1 macrophages in scleroderma lung disease
This grant studies a specific immune cell pathway in systemic sclerosis with lung scarring to help predict how the disease progresses.
-
Autoantibodies define scleroderma subgroups with distinct cancer links
Researchers are studying how specific autoantibodies in scleroderma patients relate to cancer timing and risk.
-
A new RNA drug to reduce heart scarring in scleroderma patients
Aims to test a small RNA therapy that could reduce heart fibrosis and improve heart function in people with scleroderma-related heart disease.
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.