MOLEHILL
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Molecular tools for the diagnosis and treatment of scleroderma in children and adults
IRAS ID
327345
Contact name
Karen Jennings-Wilding
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Scleroderma is a condition where an overactive immune system can cause inflammation, fibrosis (scar tissue) and blood vessel changes that cause symptoms in multiple parts of the body, impacting on patients’ lives. Young people with scleroderma have told us they want a better understanding of why they have it, and better treatments.
This study will increase our understanding of how to treat scleroderma and allow better diagnosis.
Often patients must try different treatments before finding the right one. Being able to choose the right treatment for the right patient would enable switching off the disease and improving symptoms more rapidly, reducing damage and long-term complications.
To do this we need to look at the affected skin cells of people with scleroderma. We will do this from skin biopsies and will plan to use previous samples where possible. By analysing these samples, and comparing them to non-affected skin cells we will compare the genetic code and find out the differences in how the immune system is working. We will identify molecular signatures (biological molecules found in blood or skin that are a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition) that we may be able use to diagnose and treat scleroderma.
Through working with our colleagues caring for adults, we will also be able to compare biopsies from 6 children and 6 adults to try to better understand why scleroderma is more prevalent in children than adults.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/EE/0276
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jan 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion