Genetic clues to gout flares through cell gene activity in blood and joint fluid
Official title: Revealing novel mechanisms of gout flares by transcriptional phenotyping synovial and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11398134 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study how genes turn on or off in immune cells from blood and joint fluid during gout flares to understand why flares happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $384,611 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR084827-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398134 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with gout who are enrolled in the TRUST trial and can undergo joint fluid collection during a flare.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not experiencing a flare or unable to consent/undergo arthrocentesis may not directly benefit from this specific analysis.
What this research studies
Gout flares are driven by inflammation in joints, and this project looks at how genes are expressed in immune cells from both the bloodstream and the joint during a flare. By using samples from TRUST trial participants, researchers will compare gene activity in synovial fluid mononuclear cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells before and during flares. The study uses time-sensitive collection of fresh samples and advanced transcriptomic analyses to identify candidate genes related to gout mechanisms. Findings could reveal new targets to prevent or shorten painful flares for patients with gout.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new molecular targets to prevent or lessen gout flares and improve patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Previous gene-expression studies in inflammatory diseases have yielded meaningful mechanistic insights; this time-sensitive, joint-specific approach is novel in gout.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merriman, Tony R — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Merriman, Tony R
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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.