Neuroimaging markers that link stress with RA-related inflammation and response to therapy
Official title: Neuroimaging Measures of Psychosocial Stress as Predictors of Articular and Arterial Inflammation and Treatment Response in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11399705 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists will look at brain activity and imaging markers to understand how stress and mood relate to inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and how this affects treatment response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $462,310 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR077187-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399705 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis who are starting or adjusting immunomodulatory therapy and have varying levels of psychological distress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without RA or those not considering immunomodulatory therapy are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This study uses brain imaging and biomarkers to explore whether stress and negative emotions influence inflammation in joints and arteries for people with rheumatoid arthritis. It will examine functional connections of the amygdala and other brain regions to see if psychological distress alters response to immunomodulatory medications. The goal is to uncover a brain-immune axis that could explain differences in disease activity and treatment effectiveness in RA patients. Findings could guide more personalized approaches that address both mood and inflammation to improve outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new strategies that tailor RA treatment by considering brain- based stress pathways and improve cardiovascular and joint health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked stress and inflammation in RA, but this study aims to define a specific brain- inflammatory axis and its impact on treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Giles, Jon T — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Giles, Jon T
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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.