Cell-level clues to skin scarring in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
Official title: Cell epigenetics & communication in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma skin disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11419890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $302,100 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AR080612-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11419890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults and children with systemic sclerosis or localized scleroderma who have skin involvement and can provide skin samples.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not experience direct benefits if the identified targets do not translate to therapies.
What this research studies
Researchers will examine how transcription factors and accessible DNA regions influence the development of scar-forming fibroblasts in skin affected by systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma. They will use single-cell RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing to map gene activity and chromatin accessibility, then test the impact of reducing specific transcription factors on fibroblast behavior. The goal is to link molecular changes to how severe skin disease appears in patients, with potential steps toward intercepting the scarring process. This work combines advanced genomic analyses with functional studies in human skin cells to uncover new therapeutic directions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new molecular targets to slow or prevent skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis, improving appearance and function for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous single-cell and multiome studies have highlighted regulators of fibrotic cell states, showing proof-of-concept for this approach, though direct therapies remain under development.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lafyatis, Robert a. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Lafyatis, Robert a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How skin cells and their signals change in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
This project looks at how skin cells and immune cells behave differently in people with systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma to find biological targets for better treatments.
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Investigating skin cell changes in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
This study is looking at how certain skin cells change in people with systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma, which cause painful skin thickening, to find out what drives these changes and how we might improve treatments for those affected.
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Understanding how a cell protein (SLC9A1) drives skin and lung scarring in systemic sclerosis
A five-year NIH grant aims to understand how a specific cell protein called SLC9A1 influences scar-forming cells in systemic sclerosis and related lung disease, with the goal of finding possible therapies.
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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.
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From proteins and genes to new treatments for scar-related lung disease
A large NIH grant is working to map the proteins in the lungs of people with systemic sclerosis to find new targets for drugs that could slow or stop lung fibrosis.
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Clinical-Translational Studies in Skin, Lung, and Blood Vessel Problems in Systemic Sclerosis
A NIH grant supports coordinated efforts to understand and improve health for people with systemic sclerosis and related conditions by sharing resources, data, and pilot projects at MUSC.
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.