Pinpoint Critical Drug Targets for Autoimmune Disease
 |
OverviewThe aim of this project is to identify somatic mutation sufficient for the development of autoimmune diseases. The proof of concept will be done on patients with rheumatoid arthritis. |
Autoimmune diseases affect millions of individuals in North America. They are a major health and economic burden as people with these conditions suffer from debilitating symptoms that can lead to life-long disability and mortality. Although progress has been made in the last few years, many autoimmune diseases lack effective, targeted therapies with reasonable side effect profiles.
Susceptibility to diseases can be due to inherited genetic factors, environmental factors or a mix of both. Somatic mutations are not inherited and can either occur spontaneously or be caused by various environmental factors that can directly alter DNA. It is well established that somatic mutations are a driving force in predisposition to cancer; however, it is unlikely that all somatic mutations will give rise to cancer. Rather, in conditions whose phenotype is due to uncontrolled proliferation of a small number of cells, such as autoimmune diseases, a single mutation would be sufficient to cause disease. Dr Richards proposes that somatic mutations could in fact lead to uncontrolled cellular proliferation which in turn would cause autoimmunity. Using next generation genetic and genomic tools, he and his team will perform a wide genome screening of reacting T cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients. This entirely original and innovative approach will identify genetic somatic mutations linked to the disease and could lead to new therapeutic targets for rheumatoid arthritis. If successful, this project will completely transform the research of treatments for autoimmune diseases and create opportunities to identify new targets for drug development.
For more info
