How cell-cleanup (autophagy) genes affect lupus
Contributions of autophagy-related genes in lupus
Researchers are looking at whether changes in genes that control cells' cleanup process explain why lupus develops and why it can be worse in some people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11136521 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on autophagy, the cell's process for removing damaged parts, to understand how genetic differences can drive lupus. The team will analyze human genetic data linked to SLE and test the effects of specific gene variants in laboratory experiments using patient cells and model systems. Work will include linking genetic findings from diverse populations to changes in immune cell behavior that lead to autoantibody production and organ damage. The aim is to create clear molecular links between genetic signals and the biological problems that cause lupus symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, especially women and people of African-American, Asian, or Hispanic ancestry, who can provide blood or tissue samples would be ideal participants.
Not a fit: People without lupus or those unable or unwilling to provide biological samples or visit research sites are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biological targets that lead to better treatments to prevent immune attacks and organ damage in lupus.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic studies have linked autophagy-related genes to autoimmune disease, but direct functional proof tying specific variants to lupus mechanisms is still limited, so this approach builds on promising but not yet definitive evidence.
Where this research is happening
Oklahoma City, United States
- Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation — Oklahoma City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nath, Swapan K. — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Nath, Swapan K.
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.