Precision therapies for dermatomyositis using single-cell RNA data and bioinformatics

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

Dermatomyositis is a rare, immune-driven condition that can affect both children and adults and often leaves people with lasting symptoms. This project uses cutting-edge single-cell RNA sequencing and network analysis to map the disease in patient immune cells and skin, then combines this information with computer-based drug repositioning to identify existing medicines that might help. Promising compounds will be tested in patient-derived blood cells and skin samples to see if they calm the disease signals in the lab. If successful, this approach could speed up finding effective, safer treatments for DM without starting from scratch. The effort is led by UC San Francisco researchers and aims to move from molecular insights toward real-world options for patients.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of California, San Francisco
  San Francisco, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Neely, Jessica — University of California, San Francisco
• Study coordinator: Neely, Jessica

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Understanding why Dermatomyositis causes worse outcomes in women

  A patient-centered project to understand why women with dermatomyositis, especially Black women, have more severe disease and death, and to build a regional patient registry to guide better care.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11406169

• Personalized Immunomonitoring for Juvenile Dermatomyositis

  A personalized approach to monitoring immune signals in kids with juvenile dermatomyositis to better understand and track their disease.

  NIH research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · New York, United States · NIH-11384572

• Identifying targeted treatments for dermatomyositis using advanced genetic analysis

  This study is looking at dermatomyositis, a tough autoimmune condition, to find better and safer treatments by examining blood and skin samples from patients to see how their immune system is affected, and then using that information to repurpose existing medications.

  NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11124607

• Understanding how skin and blood cell signals affect treatment response in children with dermatomyositis

  This study is looking at why some kids with juvenile dermatomyositis don’t get better with usual treatments by checking their skin and blood for clues, so we can find better ways to help them feel better.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11077252

• Using a cannabinoid to relieve itching and inflammation in dermatomyositis

  This study is looking at a new treatment that could help reduce the severe itching and inflammation caused by dermatomyositis, an autoimmune disease, and it's designed for people who are dealing with this condition.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-10656390

• Anti-CD19/BCMA universal CAR-T cell therapy for refractory autoimmune diseases

  This will try anti-CD19/BCMA universal CAR-T cell therapy in adults with refractory rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus, or systemic sclerosis to see if it is safe and can control their disease.

  Recruiting The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University · Nanjing, Jiangsu · NCT07558850

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.