Understanding how spinal disease progresses in ankylosing spondylitis
Official title: Molecular Profiling of Spinal Disease Progression in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11039825 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how ankylosing spondylitis affects the spine over time, and it aims to find specific markers in your blood that can help predict how severe the damage might get, so we can catch problems early and take better care of you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 12, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $162,540 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AR083506-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039825 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis who are experiencing varying degrees of spinal disease progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis who have already experienced irreversible spinal damage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the progression of spinal disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the spine. By analyzing blood samples, the study aims to identify molecular profiles and biomarkers that can predict the severity of spinal damage over time. The approach includes advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and proteomics to uncover the biological factors influencing disease progression. Ultimately, the goal is to develop tools that help predict spinal disease outcomes before significant damage occurs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier interventions and personalized treatment strategies for patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using molecular profiling to predict disease outcomes in other chronic inflammatory conditions, suggesting potential success for this approach in ankylosing spondylitis.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hwang, Mark Chiawei — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Hwang, Mark Chiawei
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
CARD9 and Ankylosing Spondylitis: understanding immune signals in veterans
A study with veterans who have ankylosing spondylitis will explore how immune signals linked to CARD9 may influence disease and treatment responses.
-
How the gene CARD9 may affect ankylosing spondylitis
Researchers are looking at whether differences in a gene called CARD9 help explain inflammation and treatment response in people with ankylosing spondylitis.
-
Investigating the role of CARD9 in Ankylosing Spondylitis
This study is looking at how genes and immune cells affect Ankylosing Spondylitis in veterans, with the goal of finding better ways to predict and personalize treatments for this painful condition.
-
HB0017 Injection safety and PK in low-weight adults at different injection sites
This early-phase study tests a single subcutaneous HB0017 injection in healthy, low-weight adults and compares how the body processes the drug when injected at different sites.
-
Surface topography and spine damage in radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
This study tests whether a radiation-free 3D surface topography method can reflect spine damage and sagittal balance in adults with radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
-
New modified acupotomy method for ankylosing spondylitis
This study tests whether a modified ultrasound-guided acupotomy can reduce disease activity and symptoms in adults (18–75) with active ankylosing spondylitis (BASDAI ≥4) compared with a sham procedure.
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.