Understanding how psoriasis-linked genes work across different ancestries
Integrative and trans-ethnic study to understand psoriasis associated signals
This project looks at how genetic and cellular signals tied to psoriasis differ across people of diverse ancestries, with special attention to African American participants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11188959 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine genetic data from large genome-wide studies with lab-based measurements of gene regulation in skin cells, using techniques like ATAC-seq to map open chromatin and NFκB signaling in keratinocytes. They will perform trans-ethnic analyses that emphasize inclusion of individuals with African ancestry to improve localization of causal genetic variants. The team integrates epigenetic and genomic information to link specific DNA changes to altered cell behavior that may drive psoriasis. Results aim to explain ancestry-related differences in inflammatory responses and point to targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a diagnosis of psoriasis, particularly those of African or mixed African ancestry who can provide genetic samples and possibly skin samples, would be ideal candidates to contribute data.
Not a fit: People without psoriasis or those unwilling to provide genetic or skin samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participation in this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help develop more precise genetic markers and treatment targets for psoriasis, especially improving relevance for people of African ancestry.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and functional studies have identified over 80 psoriasis risk regions and implicated NFκB and Th17/IL-23 pathways, but trans-ethnic fine-mapping combined with ATAC-seq in keratinocytes is a newer, less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsoi, Lam Cheung — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Tsoi, Lam Cheung
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 below.