Investigating skin cell changes in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
Cell epigenetics & communication in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma skin disease
This study is looking at how certain skin cells change in people with systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma, which cause painful skin thickening, to find out what drives these changes and how we might improve treatments for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10929336 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain skin cells change in systemic sclerosis (SSc) and localized scleroderma, conditions that cause painful and disfiguring skin fibrosis. By using advanced techniques like single cell RNA sequencing and chromatin accessibility assays, researchers aim to identify the specific transcription factors that drive the transformation of skin cells into myofibroblasts, which contribute to fibrosis. The study will involve assessing the effects of knocking down these transcription factors to see how they influence skin cell behavior. This research could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for patients suffering from these debilitating skin conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis or localized scleroderma, particularly those experiencing significant skin symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of skin diseases unrelated to fibrosis or those without a diagnosis of systemic sclerosis or localized scleroderma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that alleviate skin fibrosis and improve the quality of life for patients with systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding skin fibrosis through similar cellular and molecular approaches, indicating that this study builds on established methodologies.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lafyatis, Robert a. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Lafyatis, Robert a.
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 below.