Understanding how TGF-b3 affects cell changes in systemic sclerosis
Official title: Deciphering the Regulation of TGF-b3 in Driving Myofibroblast Differentiation in Systemic Sclerosis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11033574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TGF-b3 affects certain cells that can cause skin thickening in systemic sclerosis, with the goal of finding new ways to treat the condition and help patients understand what's happening in their bodies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $113,090 |
| NIH project number | 1K01AR085206-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, particularly those experiencing skin fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with systemic sclerosis who do not have significant skin involvement or fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of TGF-b3 in the differentiation of myofibroblasts, which are cells that contribute to fibrosis in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The study aims to uncover the epigenetic regulatory networks that lead to increased TGF-b3 expression in skin myofibroblasts, using advanced computational biology and disease models. By developing technical tools to identify and validate these targets, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for SSc. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of the disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target myofibroblast activity in systemic sclerosis, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting TGF-b3 in myofibroblast differentiation is novel, similar research in fibrosis and autoimmune diseases has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Mengqi — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Huang, Mengqi
Related research
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A research project at the University of Michigan looks at how differences in fat tissue and blood vessels relate to skin scarring in systemic sclerosis, with the aim of finding new ways to treat or prevent fibrosis.
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Vasculopathy in Systemic Sclerosis and Lung Disease in Adults
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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.