Investigating skin cell changes in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
Official title: Cell epigenetics & communication in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma skin disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10929336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $302,100 |
| NIH project number | 5P50AR080612-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis or localized scleroderma, particularly those experiencing significant skin symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cell-level clues to skin scarring in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
A study at the University of Pittsburgh is looking at how skin cells and their helpers change at the DNA level in adults and children with systemic sclerosis to find new targets to reduce scarring.
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How skin cells and their signals change in systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma
This project looks at how skin cells and immune cells behave differently in people with systemic sclerosis and localized scleroderma to find biological targets for better treatments.
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Understanding how a cell protein (SLC9A1) drives skin and lung scarring in systemic sclerosis
A five-year NIH grant aims to understand how a specific cell protein called SLC9A1 influences scar-forming cells in systemic sclerosis and related lung disease, with the goal of finding possible therapies.
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Angiogenesis imaging in scleroderma to track digital ulcers
A patient-friendly look at using a special imaging tracer to watch blood vessel growth in the hands of people with scleroderma to help manage digital ulcers.
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From proteins and genes to new treatments for scar-related lung disease
A large NIH grant is working to map the proteins in the lungs of people with systemic sclerosis to find new targets for drugs that could slow or stop lung fibrosis.
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Clinical-Translational Studies in Skin, Lung, and Blood Vessel Problems in Systemic Sclerosis
A NIH grant supports coordinated efforts to understand and improve health for people with systemic sclerosis and related conditions by sharing resources, data, and pilot projects at MUSC.
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.