Investigating the role of specific cells in Sjögren’s disease in salivary glands
Official title: Spatial transcriptional phenotyping of Sjögren’s disease tissue-resident mesenchymal stromal cells and neighbors in labial salivary glands
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-10925143 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in your salivary glands behave in Sjögren’s disease, especially how they interact with immune cells, to help find better treatments tailored for different patients based on their specific needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 8, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $180,122 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DE032475-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925143 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Sjögren’s disease, particularly those who are either anti-SSA antibody positive or negative.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Sjögren’s disease who do not have access to the research site or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms involved in Sjögren’s disease, particularly the role of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in salivary glands. By analyzing the transcriptomics of these cells and their interactions with nearby immune cells, the study aims to uncover differences between patients who are positive and negative for specific antibodies. This could lead to the development of targeted therapies that address the unique characteristics of different patient groups. The research employs advanced techniques to map cellular interactions and gene expression in affected tissues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for Sjögren’s disease that are tailored to the specific needs of different patient populations.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting mesenchymal stromal cells in autoimmune diseases is gaining interest, this specific investigation into Sjögren’s disease is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coskun, Ahmet F. — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Coskun, Ahmet F.
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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.