Investigating mitochondrial RNA in childhood Sjögren's disease
Official title: PKR sensing of mitochondrial dsRNA in childhood Sjogrens disease
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10925419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain type of RNA affects the immune system in kids and teens with Sjögren's disease, which is a rare autoimmune condition, to better understand if their illness is different from what adults experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $598,932 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032707-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents diagnosed with childhood Sjögren's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other autoimmune diseases not related to Sjögren's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how mitochondrial double-stranded RNA (mtdsRNA) is released in children and adolescents with Sjögren's disease, a rare autoimmune condition. By examining the immune response in these patients, the study aims to identify the mechanisms that trigger inflammation through a specific protein called PKR. The research involves analyzing blood samples from affected individuals to observe changes in immune cell behavior and RNA processing. This could help clarify whether childhood Sjögren's disease is a distinct condition or an early form of the disease seen in adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for children suffering from Sjögren's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While research on Sjögren's disease is ongoing, this specific investigation into mitochondrial RNA in childhood cases is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cha, Seunghee — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Cha, Seunghee
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.