Understanding Inflammation in Childhood Sjögren's Disease
PKR sensing of mitochondrial dsRNA in childhood Sjogrens disease
This project explores how specific molecules contribute to inflammation in children and adolescents living with Sjögren's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131235 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The grant aims to understand why some children and adolescents develop Sjögren's disease, a condition usually seen in older adults. Researchers are looking closely at how tiny pieces of genetic material, called mitochondrial dsRNAs, escape from energy-producing parts of cells and trigger an inflammatory response. They are focusing on a specific protein, PKR, which acts like a sensor for these escaped materials, leading to the inflammation seen in patients. By studying blood cells from children with Sjögren's, the team hopes to uncover the exact steps that cause this inflammation. This work could help explain why childhood Sjögren's disease happens and how it might be different from the adult form.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and adolescents diagnosed with Sjögren's disease are the focus of this research.
Not a fit: Patients with other autoimmune conditions or adults with Sjögren's disease may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and treat inflammation in children and adolescents with Sjögren's disease.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds on preliminary data from the team's own studies, suggesting a novel approach to understanding childhood Sjögren's disease.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cha, Seunghee — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Cha, Seunghee
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.