Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system reacts against itself, thus inflicting the common symptoms of dry mouth, nose and possible accompanying arthritis. Like most autoimmune diseases, Sjogren's is predominantly found in females and demonstrates a strong genetic association to the HLA class Il genes. We have recently identified a phenotypic and functional defect in Sjogren's lymphocytes in their ability to stably present self peptides in the groove of HLA class I molecules. The defective genes perhaps causing this defect could be Tap-I or Tap-2, two new recently identified genes directly located within the HLA class II region. Tap-1 and Tap-2 are required for correct assembly of class I with associated self peptides. The purpose of this Small Grant Program is to genetically screen Sjogren's DNA samples by DGGE, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, to possibly detect polymorphisms causing functional defects in these ATPase transporter genes, Tap-1 and Tap-2.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
5R03DE011023-02
Application #
2132079
Study Section
NIDCR Special Grants Review Committee (DSR)
Project Start
1994-04-01
Project End
1996-03-31
Budget Start
1995-04-01
Budget End
1996-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1995
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199