Hypoxia-linked NUDT21 and 3'UTR changes drive fibrosis in systemic sclerosis
Official title: Hypoxia-Driven NUDT21-Mediated APA Promotes Lung and Skin Fibrosis in Systemic Sclerosis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11391972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing study exploring how a gene called NUDT21 and changes in RNA endings may cause skin and lung fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $623,286 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR087804-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with systemic sclerosis or patients contributing tissue samples or pointing to relevant clinical phenotypes.
✕Less likely to help
People without systemic sclerosis or those not contributing samples or data related to this disease may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how fibrosis develops in systemic sclerosis by focusing on epithelial cells and a gene that changes how RNA messages are read. It uses mouse and human cell models to see how lowering NUDT21 changes 3' untranslated regions and increases pro-fibrotic proteins. By studying keratinocytes and lung epithelial cells, researchers hope to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to reduce scarring and improve breathing and skin health. The work may eventually lead to new therapies that interrupt the profibrotic signals driven by these RNA changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets to treat skin and lung fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked NUDT21 and 3'UTR shortening to fibrosis in model systems, with some translational progress showing promise.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mills, Tingting Weng — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Mills, Tingting Weng
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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.