Exploring how specific genetic elements contribute to autoimmune muscle diseases.
Official title: Using Bioinformatics Methodologies to Explore the Role of Short Interspersed Elements in the Pathogenesis of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11053538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain genetic elements might cause muscle inflammation in people with autoimmune diseases that affect their muscles, and it hopes to find new ways to treat these conditions more effectively and with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $164,808 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR082939-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, particularly those experiencing muscle inflammation and autoimmune symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of autoimmune diseases not related to muscle inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of short interspersed elements (SINEs) in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), which are autoimmune diseases affecting muscle tissue. By analyzing muscle tissue samples, the study aims to understand how these genetic elements may trigger immune responses that lead to muscle inflammation. The research employs advanced techniques such as transcriptome analysis and single-cell sequencing to identify the mechanisms behind interferon production and the role of specific genes in disease progression. Ultimately, the goal is to uncover new insights that could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects for patients suffering from these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing adverse effects.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on SINEs in IIM is novel, similar research approaches have shown promise in understanding autoimmune diseases and their underlying mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Najjar, Rayan — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Najjar, Rayan
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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.