NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating mitochondrial RNA in pediatric Sjogren's syndrome

Official title: Cytoplasmic mitochondrial dsRNA in pediatric Sjogren's syndrome

Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10287866 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a rare type of Sjogren's syndrome in kids and teens to help tell it apart from other similar conditions, and it will explore how their immune systems work to better understand this autoimmune disease.

More Sjogren's Syndrome research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project startSeptember 22, 2021
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2021
Award (this year)$369,050
NIH project number1R21AR079693-01
Project IDNIH-10287866 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome or those exhibiting symptoms consistent with this condition.

Less likely to help

Patients who are adults or do not have symptoms related to Sjogren's syndrome are unlikely to benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding a rare form of Sjogren's syndrome that affects children and adolescents. It aims to differentiate pediatric Sjogren's syndrome from other conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as recurrent parotitis. The study will analyze immune responses and the role of mitochondrial RNA in these patients, using advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis. By examining the immune dysregulation in pediatric patients, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms of this autoimmune condition.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for children suffering from Sjogren's syndrome.

How similar studies have gone: While research on Sjogren's syndrome is ongoing, this specific focus on pediatric cases and mitochondrial RNA is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Florida
    Gainesville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Cha, Seunghee — University of Florida
  • Study coordinator: Cha, Seunghee

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Glycolytic metabolites, Calcium entry, and Sjögren’s syndrome

    A patient-focused look at how tiny changes in metabolism and calcium signaling might contribute to Sjögren’s syndrome and its effects on saliva.

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11359626

  • How aging and cell stress damage salivary glands in Sjögren’s

    Researchers are testing whether getting older and increased oxidative (cell) stress make salivary glands more likely to be damaged in Sjögren’s, using mouse models that mimic the disease.

    NIH research Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · Oklahoma City, United States · NIH-11296942

  • Protein-polymer treatment for Sjögren's

    This project creates tiny protein-polymer medicines intended to reduce eye and mouth dryness and inflammation for people with Sjögren's syndrome.

    NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11251228

  • Understanding Sjogren's Syndrome and Saliva Production

    This research explores how natural body chemicals and calcium affect saliva production and immune cells in people with Sjögren's syndrome.

    NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11110346

  • Developing a new treatment for dry eye disease caused by Sjogren's syndrome

    This study is testing a new, easy-to-get treatment for dry eyes caused by Sjogren's syndrome, using special cells to create a healing extract that could help improve your symptoms and overall eye health.

    NIH research Stellular Bio, INC. · Watertown, United States · NIH-11067525

  • Improving saliva and tear production in Sjögren's syndrome

    This study is looking at how blocking certain receptors in the glands that produce saliva and tears might help people with Sjögren's syndrome, a condition that causes dry mouth and dry eyes, by improving their gland function and making them feel better.

    NIH research University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-11041086

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.