Understanding how DIS3L2 helps keep RNA in check to help lupus patients
Official title: DIS3L2-mediated RNA surveillance in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematous
Funded at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation · NIH-11630879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A physician-scientist team is studying how a watchdog molecule for RNA (DIS3L2) may drive lupus-related immune problems, with the goal of uncovering new paths to treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $299,529 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM156711-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11630879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with systemic lupus erythematosus or related autoimmune conditions who consent to participate in genomic and molecular studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without lupus or related autoimmune diseases may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic study.
What this research studies
This project puts a clinician-scientist in a leadership role within a COBRE center to explore how DIS3L2 and ncRNA surveillance impact systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Researchers will examine how defects in RNA quality control contribute to abnormal immune activation, especially Type I interferon signals, in lupus. The work combines genomic and rheumatology expertise to connect molecular RNA processes with patient disease features. Findings could point to biomarkers or new targets to modulate immune responses in autoimmune disease. The grant supports building infrastructure and collaborations to translate basic RNA biology into lupus biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify RNA-related mechanisms and potential targets to reduce immune activation in lupus.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research links RNA surveillance defects to autoimmune activation; this project adds disease-specific insight in lupus.
Where this research is happening
-
Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Williams, Sandra Gisela — Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation
- Study coordinator: Williams, Sandra Gisela
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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.