Understanding the genetics of gout and its inflammatory mechanisms
Official title: Translational genomics in gout: From GWAS signal to mechanism
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10933448 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our genes might play a role in causing gout, a type of arthritis that causes painful swelling in the joints, and it invites people with high uric acid levels to share their genetic samples and health info to help researchers understand this better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $561,790 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081859-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933448 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include adults with a history of gout or hyperuricemia, particularly those who are African American or from the Birmingham area.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of gout or those who do not have elevated uric acid levels may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors that contribute to gout, a common form of arthritis characterized by sudden and severe pain due to inflammation in the joints. By analyzing data from a large genome-wide association study, the team aims to identify specific genetic loci associated with gout and understand how these genetic variations influence the body's inflammatory response. The study focuses on the role of certain long-noncoding RNAs and their impact on gene expression and immune responses, particularly in individuals with high levels of uric acid. Patients may be involved in providing genetic samples and health information to help uncover these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and preventive strategies for gout, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified genetic factors related to gout, suggesting that this approach has the potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merriman, Tony R — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Merriman, Tony R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Treat-to-Target Urate in Gout: A New Approach for Better Pain and Health
A large clinical trial tests whether aiming for a specific uric acid level in gout patients improves symptoms and health outcomes compared with avoiding symptoms.
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Translational Genomics in Gout: Linking GWAS Signals to Mechanisms
Aims to understand why some people with high uric acid develop gout by connecting genetic clues to the biology of joint inflammation.
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Genetic clues to gout flares through cell gene activity in blood and joint fluid
Researchers will study how genes turn on or off in immune cells from blood and joint fluid during gout flares to understand why flares happen.
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Uric acid skin sensor to guide gout treatment and diet
A skin patch that measures uric acid in sweat is being tested to help people with gout manage their diet and medications better.
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Wearable skin patch that tracks uric acid and metabolites for people with gout
A wearable skin patch will measure uric acid and other metabolites around meals to help people with gout make better diet and medication choices.
-
Gout and Kidney Disease: How gout changes as kidney disease gets worse and after kidney transplant
This project follows people with gout as their kidney disease progresses toward dialysis or transplant, using national kidney data to understand how often gout flares happen and how care needs change.
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.