Lupus erythematosus is a disease that affects primarily young women. Its pathology is mediated to a large extent by the loss of regulatory mechanisms in B cells. More than 50 gene polymorphisms have been associated with increased risk for systemic lupus, many of them related to B cell function, but the mechanisms by which these variants increase disease susceptibility is still unknown. This is a revision for an application for a K01 award for Dr. Manjarrez-Ordu?o designed to help her make the transition to an independent investigator, able to propose therapeutic targets for deregulated molecular interactions in systemic lupus based on an understanding of the functional consequences of genetic variation in B cells. This proposal will provide Dr. Manjarrez-Ordu?o with training in (1) genetics and genomics, (2) statistical methods, and (3) B cell biology. The achievement of these goals will be accomplished with cross-disciplinary mentorship led by Dr. Betty Diamond who will provide with expertise on autoimmune diseases and B cell biology, and Dr. Peter K. Gregersen who will manage the training in genetics and biological network analysis.
The aim of this proposal is to understand how Csk controls antibody responses by its regulation of the B cell receptor (BCR) both during B cell maturation and activation. Specifically, we will determine whether Csk-mediated regulation of the B cell signaling perturbs the conditions for the development of tolerance during maturation of transitional cells (Aim 1);next, we will focus on na?ve B cells to generate evidence that higher Csk expression leads to BCR hyper-responsiveness mediated by CD22 and FcR?IIb (Aim 2) and finally we will prove that these two events converge in the generation of an autoreactive repertoire (Aim 3), setting the conditions for the development of autoimmune disease. Because this project focuses on events that happen in human cells, it will generate knowledge that is directly translatable into human disease and therapy. The data generated should allow Dr. Manjarrez- Ordu?o to compete for R01 funding before the end of this training period.

Public Health Relevance

Lupus erythematosus is a life-threatening condition that affects primarily women. Understanding how common genetic variations modify B cell physiology and increase susceptibility for the disease is the first step to better therapy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01AR063169-02
Application #
8690766
Study Section
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Special Grants Review Committee (AMS)
Program Officer
Mancini, Marie
Project Start
2013-07-01
Project End
2018-06-30
Budget Start
2014-07-01
Budget End
2015-06-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Manhasset
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
11030