Systemic travel of damaged DNA in autoimmune skin disorders
Official title: Systemic travel of damaged DNA in photosensitive autoimmune disorders
Funded at Duquesne University · NIH-11537827 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project looks at tiny particles shed from UV-damaged skin that carry damaged DNA and travel through the body, potentially worsening autoimmune inflammation in people with photosensitive conditions like lupus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duquesne University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00ES035864-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11537827 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with photosensitive autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, who have measurable nuclease activity and UV-induced DNA damage indicators.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without photosensitive autoimmune conditions or those not experiencing inflammation related to UV exposure may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on how UV damage in skin could release small DNA-containing particles into the body and how these particles might spread to organs and influence inflammation in autoimmune diseases. The researchers plan to measure DNA with UV-induced damage in urine particles and see how it relates to lupus severity and blood enzyme activity. They will map how these DNA-containing particles circulate and interact with immune responses in people who have photosensitivity. The effort combines patient data with laboratory studies to understand a potential new path in disease activity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biomarkers and mechanisms that link UV exposure to autoimmune flares, potentially guiding better prevention or treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown CPD-containing DNA can travel in the body, but the role of extracellular damaged DNA in autoimmune inflammation is not yet established.
Where this research is happening
-
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carpenter, Mae Alexandra — Duquesne University
- Study coordinator: Carpenter, Mae Alexandra
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.