Investigating how X-chromosome inactivation affects immune responses in women
Official title: Role for nuclear matrix proteins and DNA methylation for XCI maintenance in female lymphocytes
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10881910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in female immune cells might contribute to lupus, a condition that mainly affects women, by focusing on a process called X-chromosome inactivation and its impact on B cells, with the hope of finding new ways to understand and treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $538,912 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI168047-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are females diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus or those at risk of developing the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with autoimmune diseases unrelated to X-chromosome inactivation or those who are male may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the mechanisms behind systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a condition that disproportionately affects women. It focuses on the role of X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) and how it may be disrupted in female immune cells, particularly B lymphocytes. The study examines the relationship between DNA methylation and the maintenance of XCI, aiming to understand how these factors contribute to the development of autoimmune responses. By analyzing B cells from SLE patients, the research seeks to uncover potential epigenetic changes that could lead to better understanding and treatment of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the causes of systemic lupus erythematosus and pave the way for targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of examining XCI maintenance in B cells is novel, related research has shown that understanding epigenetic factors can significantly impact autoimmune disease treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anguera, Montserrat C — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Anguera, Montserrat C
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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.