How SETBP1 changes joint‑lining cells in inflammatory arthritis
Official title: Uncovering the role of Setbp1 in fibroblast-like synoviocytes during inflammatory arthritis
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11163524 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how the protein SETBP1 alters joint‑lining cells in people with inflammatory arthritis to point toward new treatment strategies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 6, 2017 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $401,618 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR070736-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11163524 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults and adolescents with inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis—especially those with active joint inflammation—would be the most relevant group for this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without inflammatory arthritis (for example, those with purely degenerative osteoarthritis) or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic research.
What this research studies
We will study fibroblast‑like synoviocytes (the cells that line joints) to see how SETBP1 controls their switch to an aggressive, damage‑causing state. The team will use patient‑derived cells and laboratory models to map epigenetic changes and measure effects on cell survival, growth, and factors that break down cartilage and bone. Researchers will manipulate SETBP1 activity and associated chromatin regulators to test whether reversing those changes calms the cells. Findings will be used to identify potential drug targets or biomarkers that could guide future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to stop or slow joint damage in rheumatoid, psoriatic, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that epigenetic remodeling drives aggressive behavior in synovial cells, but targeting SETBP1 specifically is a relatively new and untested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bhattaram, Pallavi — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Bhattaram, Pallavi
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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.