Momentum Builds with Key Raynaud’s Discovery
Blood vessel pathology is a central piece of the scleroderma puzzle. Foundation-funded scientists at The Ohio State University have discovered key mechanisms
involved in Raynaud’s phenomenon and the abnormalities in microvascular blood flow that cause tissue damage. Researchers are optimistic that therapy targeting
the activity of a specific protein could be effective in preventing vascular destruction and reversing or inhibiting the progress of scleroderma. For details, click here
Molecular Defect May Lead to Fibrosis
Hardening of the skin—fibrosis—is a prominent feature of scleroderma. Foundation investigators at Duke University Medical Center discovered that a key messenger protein, known as Smad7, that would normally help regulate collagen production is missing in scleroderma cells.
This defect may account for the overproduction and accumulation of collagen/extracellular matrix that lead to fibrosis. Scientists are working now to develop ways to
correct the defect and regulate collagen production. For details, click here
Investigating Why the Body Attacks Itself in Scleroderma
Johns Hopkins University scientists have discovered autoantibodies in scleroderma patients that are not seen in other autoimmune diseases. Learning how and why these antibodies
form will lead to better understanding of the mechanisms that underlie scleroderma. For details, click here
First-time Genetic Studies Under Way
The Foundation’s genetic studies present exciting new opportunities for scleroderma research, including the development of scleroderma genotypes and the search for genetic mutations that may help to determine
if there are host factors influencing onset of the disease. For details, click here
Patients Hold the Key to Scleroderma
Patients are central to the observation of the disease process that leads to the important research questions. Scleroderma clinics work collaboratively with the science community, providing valuable patient data and tissue samples to support the Foundation’s investigations. Patients who are interested in providing data and tissue samples to the University of California San Francisco, click here to sign up via our online Patient Registry form.
|
