Award
NIH Reporter #5R01AR070736-08
Uncovering the role of Setbp1 in fibroblast-like synoviocytes during inflammatory arthritis
Recipient
Pallavi Bhattaram, Assistant Professor
Award Amount
$415,871.00
Ceiling
$415,871.00
Awarded
July 30, 2026
Identifier
5R01AR070736-08
The award supports research on the role of SETBP1 in fibroblast-like synoviocytes during inflammatory arthritis, aiming to identify therapeutic targets to prevent joint degeneration and symptom recurrence.
Description
This project aims to define the roles of the epigenetic hub protein SETBP1 in regulating the switch from a homeostatic epigenomic signature to an arthritic epigenomic signature of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) in inflammatory joint diseases. The hypothesis is that downregulation of SETBP1 promotes joint degeneration in inflammatory joint disease. The research involves conditional inactivation of Setbp1 in adult joints in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, phenotypic and molecular analysis, investigation of epigenetic status, and upstream molecular mechanisms of SETBP1 expression. Successful completion will establish SETBP1 as an epigenetic switch factor and potential therapeutic target to prevent drug resistance and recurrence of symptoms in autoimmune joint diseases.