How genetic differences change immune and joint cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Deciphering the Genomics of Gene Network Regulation of T Cell and Fibroblast States in Autoimmune Inflammation
['FUNDING_U01'] · SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH · NIH-11100002
This project uses advanced computer models and joint samples from people with rheumatoid arthritis to show how genetic differences shape immune T cells and joint fibroblasts.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11100002 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze joint tissue and immune cells taken from people with rheumatoid arthritis to see how genetic differences affect individual cell types. They will use single-cell genomics to measure gene activity in T cells and fibroblasts, map 3D genome interactions that connect distant DNA elements, and combine these data with machine learning models. By integrating patient-derived samples with computational models, the team aims to link specific genetic variants to changes in cell states that drive joint inflammation. The approach focuses on inflammatory T cell and fibroblast subsets found in affected joints and builds on known RA-associated gene loci.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with rheumatoid arthritis, especially those with inflamed joints who can provide joint tissue or synovial fluid samples or participate in clinical sample collections, are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without rheumatoid arthritis, those unable to provide joint samples, or those seeking immediate symptom relief would not directly benefit from participating in this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific genes and cell processes that drive RA and point to new targets for more precise treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-cell and genomics studies have mapped disease-linked genes in RA, but combining 3D genome mapping across immune and joint cells with machine learning is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LESLIE, CHRISTINA S — SLOAN-KETTERING INST CAN RESEARCH
- Study coordinator: LESLIE, CHRISTINA S
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.