Finding the genes behind hidradenitis suppurativa

Determining the Genetic Basis of Hidradenitis Suppurativa

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11175361

This project will look for genetic changes linked to hidradenitis suppurativa by studying DNA and skin samples from people with the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11175361 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If I join, researchers will collect DNA from about 2,000 people with HS and compare their genomes to find gene changes tied to the disease. They will build on earlier findings near SOX9 and KLF5 and use bioinformatics to search for additional risk locations in a diverse group that includes adolescents and Black patients. The team will also examine skin tissue, including hair follicles, epidermis, and the tunnels in HS lesions, to see whether those genes are turned on or off. The goal is to connect genetic signals to the biology of HS and point to possible new treatment targets.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with a clinical diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa, including adolescents (about age 12 and up) and adults, especially those willing to provide DNA and possibly skin samples, are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without HS or those unwilling/unable to provide DNA or tissue samples would not benefit directly from participating in this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Better understanding of genetic causes could lead to new, more targeted treatments for HS in the future.

How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic studies including a GWAS of 760 patients found risk signals near SOX9 and KLF5 and rare variants explain only a small fraction, so this larger and more diverse cohort is a logical next step.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.