Identifying targeted treatments for dermatomyositis using advanced genetic analysis
Official title: Harnessing single cell RNA sequencing and integrative bioinformatics to identify precision therapeutics for dermatomyositis
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11124607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at dermatomyositis, a tough autoimmune condition, to find better and safer treatments by examining blood and skin samples from patients to see how their immune system is affected, and then using that information to repurpose existing medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project start | June 2, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,744 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR081983-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124607 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with dermatomyositis, both children and adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with dermatomyositis who are already receiving effective treatments or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on dermatomyositis, a challenging autoimmune condition affecting both children and adults, for which current treatments are limited and often lead to significant side effects. By utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing and advanced bioinformatics, the study aims to uncover specific immune pathways that are disrupted in patients with dermatomyositis. The researchers will then use this information to repurpose existing medications that could effectively target these pathways, potentially leading to safer and more effective treatment options. Patients' blood and skin samples will be analyzed to identify the most promising therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatment options for patients with dermatomyositis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using similar computational approaches to identify new treatments for rare diseases, suggesting potential success for this novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neely, Jessica — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Neely, Jessica
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding why Dermatomyositis causes worse outcomes in women
A patient-centered project to understand why women with dermatomyositis, especially Black women, have more severe disease and death, and to build a regional patient registry to guide better care.
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Personalized Immunomonitoring for Juvenile Dermatomyositis
A personalized approach to monitoring immune signals in kids with juvenile dermatomyositis to better understand and track their disease.
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Precision therapies for dermatomyositis using single-cell RNA data and bioinformatics
A doctor-scientist team at a major hospital plans to find existing drugs that could treat dermatomyositis by analyzing patient cells at the single-cell level and testing promising options in the lab.
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Understanding how skin and blood cell signals affect treatment response in children with dermatomyositis
This study is looking at why some kids with juvenile dermatomyositis don’t get better with usual treatments by checking their skin and blood for clues, so we can find better ways to help them feel better.
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Using a cannabinoid to relieve itching and inflammation in dermatomyositis
This study is looking at a new treatment that could help reduce the severe itching and inflammation caused by dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease, and it's designed for people who are dealing with this condition.
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Anti-CD19/BCMA universal CAR-T cell therapy for refractory autoimmune diseases
This will try anti-CD19/BCMA universal CAR-T cell therapy in adults with refractory rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus, or systemic sclerosis to see if it is safe and can control their disease.
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.