How damaged DNA travels in autoimmune skin disorders
Official title: Systemic travel of damaged DNA in photosensitive autoimmune disorders
Funded at Wright State University · NIH-10985817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how damaged DNA from skin cells, caused by sun exposure, might move through the body and make autoimmune conditions like lupus worse, by examining tiny particles in urine to see how they relate to inflammation and disease severity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wright State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dayton, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $102,399 |
| NIH project number | 1K99ES035864-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with photosensitive autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, who experience symptoms related to UV exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without autoimmune disorders or those not affected by photosensitivity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how damaged DNA from skin cells, caused by UV radiation, can travel through the body and potentially worsen autoimmune disorders like lupus. The study focuses on small vesicles that carry this damaged DNA and how they may influence inflammation in patients. By analyzing urine samples and correlating DNA content with disease severity, the research aims to uncover the relationship between DNA damage and autoimmune responses. This could lead to a better understanding of how environmental factors affect these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and treatments for patients with photosensitive autoimmune disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining extracellular DNA in this context is novel, related research has shown that understanding DNA damage can impact treatment strategies for autoimmune diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
Wright State University
Dayton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carpenter, Mae Alexandra — Wright State University
- Study coordinator: Carpenter, Mae Alexandra
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.