Investigating the causes of recurrent gout flares
Official title: Functional and Integrative Omics of Recurrent Gout Flares
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10906714 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific immune cells in people with gout react to crystals that cause flare-ups, hoping to find clues that could help manage these painful attacks better for those who have them often.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $181,813 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AR077927-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10906714 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with gout, particularly those experiencing recurrent flares.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have gout or those who have not experienced recurrent flares may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain immune cells, specifically neutrophils and monocytes, respond to monosodium urate crystals that trigger gout attacks. By analyzing blood samples from gout patients, the study aims to identify differences in gene expression and DNA methylation between those who experience recurrent flares and those who do not. The research utilizes advanced techniques like RNA sequencing to uncover molecular factors that may contribute to these flares, potentially leading to better management strategies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive measures for patients suffering from recurrent gout flares.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding gout through similar molecular approaches, indicating potential for success in this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reynolds, Richard James — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Reynolds, Richard James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Treat-to-Target Urate in Gout: A New Approach for Better Pain and Health
A large clinical trial tests whether aiming for a specific uric acid level in gout patients improves symptoms and health outcomes compared with avoiding symptoms.
-
Translational Genomics in Gout: Linking GWAS Signals to Mechanisms
Aims to understand why some people with high uric acid develop gout by connecting genetic clues to the biology of joint inflammation.
-
Genetic clues to gout flares through cell gene activity in blood and joint fluid
Researchers will study how genes turn on or off in immune cells from blood and joint fluid during gout flares to understand why flares happen.
-
Uric acid skin sensor to guide gout treatment and diet
A skin patch that measures uric acid in sweat is being tested to help people with gout manage their diet and medications better.
-
Wearable skin patch that tracks uric acid and metabolites for people with gout
A wearable skin patch will measure uric acid and other metabolites around meals to help people with gout make better diet and medication choices.
-
Gout and Kidney Disease: How gout changes as kidney disease gets worse and after kidney transplant
This project follows people with gout as their kidney disease progresses toward dialysis or transplant, using national kidney data to understand how often gout flares happen and how care needs change.
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.