Hippo signaling and scarring in scleroderma
Role of the Hippo pathway in scleroderma pathogenesis
This project looks at whether blocking a cell signal called the Hippo pathway can reduce the skin and organ scarring that affects people with scleroderma.
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 ID | NIH-11239132 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will study skin and blood vessel cells from people with scleroderma using single-cell sequencing to find which cells make scar tissue. They will focus on myofibroblasts, endothelial cells that convert into scar-producing cells, and a specific immune cell type called LAMP3+ dendritic cells that may trigger these changes. In the lab they will use genetic tools (siRNA) and drugs that inhibit Hippo pathway signals to see if those cell transitions and collagen production can be blocked. The team aims to identify molecular targets that could lead to new treatments to reduce fibrosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adults with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) who can provide skin samples and attend clinic visits at the research center.
Not a fit: People without systemic sclerosis or those unable to provide skin samples or travel to the study site are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to stop or reduce the skin and organ scarring that causes disability in scleroderma.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies have linked Hippo signaling to fibrosis and autoimmunity, but this approach has not yet produced proven therapies for people with scleroderma.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gudjonsson, Johann Eli — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Gudjonsson, Johann Eli
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 below.