Investigating the role of mitochondria in lupus and heart complications

Role of mitochondria in SLE and its cardiovascular complications

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10887621

This study is looking at how damaged parts of your cells, called mitochondria, might cause inflammation and affect your immune system if you have lupus, and it hopes to find out if certain antibodies in your blood can help predict heart problems in lupus patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10887621 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how damaged mitochondria contribute to inflammation and immune responses in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The study aims to explore the mechanisms of mitochondrial clearance and the potential clinical utility of autoantibodies targeting mitochondrial proteins in predicting thrombosis development. By analyzing a large cohort of SLE patients over a decade, the researchers will assess the relationship between these autoantibodies and cardiovascular complications. The methodology includes advanced techniques such as flow cytometry and engineered microvessel models to study platelet activation and thrombus formation.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus, particularly those experiencing cardiovascular issues.

Not a fit: Patients without a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus or those not experiencing cardiovascular complications may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for predicting and preventing cardiovascular complications in lupus patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Anti-Phospholipid Antibody SyndromeAnti-phospholipid Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.