Understanding the role of antinuclear antibodies in autoimmune disease risk

Genome and Phenome to Define Disease Risk with Antinuclear Antibodies

NIH-funded research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-10827936

This study is looking at how antinuclear antibodies (ANA) can help doctors diagnose lupus and understand what a positive ANA test means for people who don’t have autoimmune diseases, especially focusing on patients with joint or muscle pain to make sure they get the right diagnosis.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Nashville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10827936 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the significance of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in diagnosing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and understanding their implications in individuals without autoimmune diseases. By analyzing clinical and genetic data, the study aims to clarify the consequences of a positive ANA test and improve predictions for those at risk of developing SLE. Patients with joint or muscle pain who test positive for ANA will be a focus, as the research seeks to prevent misdiagnosis and enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals who test positive for antinuclear antibodies and may or may not have symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have antinuclear antibodies or those with established autoimmune diseases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and better risk assessment for patients with antinuclear antibodies.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using genetic and clinical data to improve disease risk prediction, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Nashville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.