Investigating how a specific protein affects fibrosis in systemic sclerosis
Official title: Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 Links Interferon Pathway Activation to the Exaggerates Fibrotic Response in Systemic Sclerosis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11083751 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein called IRF7 affects the immune system and scarring in people with systemic sclerosis, with the goal of finding new ways to treat this condition.
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 | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $319,352 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081280-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083751 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis who are experiencing significant symptoms related to fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases that do not involve fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on systemic sclerosis, a serious autoimmune disease that leads to excessive fibrosis, or scarring, in various tissues. The team aims to understand the role of interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7) in the disease process, particularly how it connects immune system dysfunction to fibroblast activity, which contributes to fibrosis. By analyzing gene expression and using advanced techniques, the researchers hope to uncover new insights into the mechanisms driving this condition, potentially leading to better therapeutic strategies. The study involves both laboratory experiments and analysis of patient samples to explore these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively reduce fibrosis and improve outcomes for patients with systemic sclerosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune dysregulation in fibrosis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Assassi, Shervin — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Assassi, Shervin
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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.